mHealth for Antenatal Mental Health

The Whooley questions are a case-finding instrument for depression in primary care. This 2-question instrument screens for depressed mood and anhedonia that have been present during the past month. Respondents are required to answer Yes or No to each of these questions. An affirmative answer to any of them should be followed by further assessment, including the use of a validated screening instrument or referral to a general practitioner or a mental health practitioner.

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-administered survey that screens for symptoms such as feelings of guilt, sleep disturbance, reduced energy levels, anhedonia and suicidal ideation that have been present during the 7 days preceding its administration. Each question is scored on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 to 3 points. Overall scores between 10 and 12 points suggest increased risk for depression; scores of 13 points or above indicate that the diagnostic criteria for major depression disorder have probably been met. In addition, item 10 deals with suicidal thoughts. The EPDS is a valid and reliable tool for identifying women at risk of depression, both during pregnancy and postpartum, and is sensitive to changes in the severity of depression over time.

These will consist of 5 questions on a 5-point pictorial scales, assessing participants' mood, sleep, energy, enjoyment and worry.

Two questions asking for participants' location and activity at the time they were asked to complete the momentary questions.