Web-Based Intervention (SunnysideFlex) to Promote Resilience to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms During Pregnancy: Development and Pilot Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.53744
• Publication Date: 2023-10-18T06:41:01Z
• Authors: Katherine C Paltell; Jennifer Duffecy; Pauline M Maki; Shiva Edalatian Z...; Anka A Vujanovic; Erin C Berenz
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 16. Peace & justice; 3. Good health

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Approximately 4% to 8% of pregnant individuals meet the criteria for current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a known risk factor multitude adverse maternal and child health outcomes. However, PTSD is rarely detected or treated in obstetric settings. Moreover, available prenatal treatments require in-person services that are often inaccessible due barriers care. Thus, web-based interventions offer great potential extending treatment high-risk by providing affordable, accessible there currently no designed specifically symptoms during pregnancy. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This study aims develop pilot 6-week, web-based, cognitive behavioral therapy intervention PTSD, SunnysideFlex, sample 10 women with probable PTSD. Consistent established guidelines developing testing novel interventions, focus this was evaluate initial feasibility acceptability SunnysideFlex preintervention postintervention changes depression symptoms. approach will allow early refinement optimization increase odds success larger-scale clinical trial. <title>METHODS</title> The adapted an existing platform postpartum depression, Sunnyside Moms, include revised, trauma-focused content. A total weeks 16 28 their pregnancy who reported lifetime interpersonal trauma exposure (ie, sexual physical assault) (scores ≥33 per checklist DSM-5) were enrolled intervention. Assessments took place at baseline 6 (postintervention). <title>RESULTS</title> All participants retained through assessment period. Engagement high; on average accessed 90% lessons, logged least weekly, generally positive user experience. 80% (8/10) demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions from postintervention, 50% (5/10) longer screened postintervention. Most (6/10, 60%) maintained subclinical <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Findings small indicate may be feasible acceptable mechanism delivering high-risk, trauma-exposed might otherwise not have opportunities services. Larger-scale trials necessary better understand impact <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> <p/>