WhatsApp-based Psycho-socio-educational Intervention (WeLove) for Prevention of Psychological and Sleep Problems in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: A Three-arm Double-blinded Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Chinese University of Hong Kong
120 participants
Jan 6, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Objectives: (1) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the WhatsApp-based psycho-socio-educational intervention (WeLove); (2) preliminarily examine the effects of the intervention on psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress symptoms), sleep quality, and life satisfaction; and (3) preliminarily examine the interdependence between psychological symptoms and sleep quality in pregnant women and their partners. Methods: The investigators will use WhatsApp to provide the six sessions of the intervention, which include psychological, social, and educational components. A three-arm double-blinded pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) is used in 60 couples, followed by individual face-to-face interviews for process evaluation in 10 to 20 couples based on data saturation. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups and 20 couples per group: intervention 1 (couples for WeLove), intervention 2 (pregnant women for WeLove), or the control group (use WhatsApp as normal). Participants will be assessed pre- and post-intervention. Generalised estimating equation analysis and thematic analysis will be performed to examine the research objectives.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- pregnant with a gestation of >12 to 28 weeks and their partners over 18 years
- able to read and understand Chinese
- have electronic devices with WhatsApp that can contact the Internet
- can provide written consent and voluntary participation in this study
Exclusion Criteria2
- current severe medical illnesses
- psychological and sleep disorders
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
Pregnant women and their partners are instructed to use WhatsApp as normal for six weeks.
The intervention comprises six sessions, including psychoeducation, communication training, sleep hygiene, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, and behavioural activation. Each session has two short videos, quizzes, forums, and homework. The content is presented through a virtual midwife using storytelling of real-life scenarios, animation, and case vignettes about psychological and sleep problems during pregnancy. A virtual midwife acts as an educator to explain the prevalence, causes, and factors of psychological and sleep problems. Every session will concentrate on certain courses and offer specialised advice to expectant mothers and their partners. Using the security links on the WhatsApp platform, each session takes 15 to 20 minutes to finish.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT06768190