COMPANY CÓRDOBA, ROSALBA, Caffieri, Alessia , Barquero-Jimenez, Carlos , Cruz-Cabrera, Roberto , De-Juan-Iglesias, Paula , Gil-Cosano, José J. , GOOSSENS, LENNERT, Nieto-Casado, Francisco J. , Ureña-Lorenzo, Amalia , Gómez-Gómez, Irene , MOTRICO MARTINEZ, EMMA
No
Int J Med Inform
Article
Científica
31/01/2026
001686404500001
2-s2.0-105029297044
Background: Perinatal Mental Disorders (PMDs) are common during pregnancy and the first postpartum year, with negative consequences for women, their partners, and infants, as well as broader societal costs. While numerous interventions have been developed to prevent PMDs, there remains a need for a universal, personalized, and cost-effective solution integrated into routine maternal care. The e-Perinatal study aimed to address this gap. This paper describes the design of the e-Perinatal intervention, delivered via a dedicated mobile health app. Methods: Guided by the Medical Research Council framework, the e-Perinatal app integrates Self-Determination Theory, Normalization Process Theory, and Patient and Public Involvement perspectives. Existing evidence was reviewed, and stakeholders participated in the co-development of digital micro-interventions (DMs). A clinical rule-based algorithm was implemented to generate personalized recommendations across four pathways (1) weekly content delivery, (2) user preferences, (3) individual risk profile, and (4) PMD monitoring. Results: The e-Perinatal app includes: 1) DMs focused on psychological, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle domains; 2) a personalized recommendation engine; 3) a social support section; 4) mental health monitoring; 5) an 'SOS' button for assistance; and 6) an appointment reminder tool. In total, 332 evidence-based DMs were developed for women and their partners and delivered in text, audio, and video formats. A clinical rule-based algorithm tailors recommendations according to user characteristics and perinatal stage, employing adaptive content filtering to optimize personalization. Conclusion: the e-Perinatal app is a personalized mHealth intervention to prevent PMDs within routine maternal care. The intervention combines evidence-based strategies, personalized recommendations, and adaptive digital content to prevent PMDs. Future research will assess effectiveness, implementation, and real-world impact of e-Perinatal intervention for PMD prevention.
Perinatal; Universal; Prevention; Development; mHealth; Digital intervention