Date of Award

2023-05-27

Degree Name

PhD Nursing

Dissertation Committee

Ruth A. Bush, PhD, Chairperson; Cynthia D. Connelly, PhD, RN, FAAN, Committee Member; Bridget F. Frese, PhD, RN, CNM, Committee Member; Jane M. Georges, PhD, RN, Committee Member

Keywords

mantram, mantram repetition program, maternal mental health, postpartum, women's health, postpartum mental health, technology acceptance model, patient portal, virtual education program

Abstract

Objective: This pilot study launched an online Mantram Repetition Program (oMRP) using a virtual health portal that aimed to explore online portal accessibility, oMRP acceptance, and overall interface satisfaction among a sample of postpartum women.

Background: Postpartum depression remains one of the most common and severe childbirth complications, affecting more than 13% of women during the first three months after childbirth. Cognitive or behavioral talk therapy sessions and medication are the most frequently recommended treatments to alleviate symptoms. Although effective, women tend not to enroll or adhere to these modalities, suggesting they need alternative treatment plans. A possible alternative, mirroring the adoption of online platforms and patient portals in many areas of healthcare delivery, is to examine if an online treatment method is acceptable for women in the postpartum period.

Methods: To explore whether newly postpartum women would log on, navigate the portal, accept the virtual program, and enjoy the overall experience, participants were invited to access four oMRP learning modules through a HIPAA-compliant portal during a 30-day study period. Participants provided sociodemographic data and completed satisfaction surveys throughout the study. Questions from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8), in combination with open-ended questions, were used to evaluate participant acceptance and satisfaction with the technology, portal, and program.

Results: Among this sample of seven women, five completed the program in its entirety, shared their satisfaction, and even expressed gratitude for the program. The women accepted the technology as indicated by a 6.0 mean TAM score (out of a possible 7.0) and had moderate to high levels of program satisfaction indicated by a 27 mean CSQ score (out of a possible 32). The qualitative and quantitative results indicated that the pilot study positively impacted its participants.

Conclusion: The oMRP for postpartum women has the potential to be a patient-centered modality to treat postpartum symptoms and support overall well-being. This study provided a foundational empirical understanding of the acceptability and use of the oMRP interface, resulting in recommendations for future research, interface design, and clinical implementation.

Comments

This work is dedicated to all women in the transition of motherhood and to the hope that the support they need is coming.

Document Type

Dissertation: Open Access

Department

Nursing

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