Testing of a prototype Web based intervention for adolescent mothers on postpartum depression

Abstract

Purpose: This article describes testing of a prototype Web site for adolescent mothers with postpartum depression; providing proof of concept.

Methods: Participants (N=138) were recruited from a public school-based program for adolescent parents and completed the Mental Health Acceptability Scale, Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help, and Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale before, and after, the Web site intervention. They also provided feedback on the usability of the Web site.

Results: Attitudes related to depression and treatment (ATSPPH) improved after viewing the Web site (p=.023). Feedback on the Web site indicated that it was easy to use (77%), reflecting highly acceptable score for product usability.

Conclusions: The data provide the foundation for the launch of the Web site from prototype to product and more comprehensive testing. The creation and testing of informational text messages will be added to the Web site to increase the interactivity and dose of the intervention.

Keywords: Adolescent; Depression; Mental health; Parents; Pregnant; Web site.