Bamboo: Developing a pair-matching algorithm and resource centre for a maternal perinatal peer support program in Australia
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Background: Becoming a first-time mother is a major developmental transition, and can be characterised by uncertainty, stress, and an increased risk of developing mental disorders. Social support is a protective factor against perinatal mental health issues. To address the need for quality social support during this crucial period, the Bamboo WebApp-based peer support intervention is being developed. The program will facilitate one-to-one pairings, whereby mentees (new mums) will be able to nominate a support person or be assigned a mentor via a customized pair-matching algorithm. Additionally, the WebApp will provide a resource centre with text-based resources, meditations and podcasts on self-care, infant care, and relationships. Methods: A two-part study is currently being conducted. In study 1, a collaborative autoethnography was used to examine the podcast creators’ environment, interactions, and reflections on the recording process. This will be complemented by listener interviews, centred on suggestions pertaining to the podcast series’ purpose, content, design, and applicability. In study 2, interviews with mothers and a quasi-experimental survey design will be employed to determine the most important considerations when facilitating mentee-mentor pairings, and the optimal intake questionnaire design for users joining the program (e.g., variable item weighting, number of mentor options provided) to afford users a sense of personal control. Results: Thematic analyses of the interview data and diary entries in study 1 will identify themes concerning the podcast series’ content, design, applicability, and usability as a health promotion tool. Results of study 2 will be used to finalise the pair-matching algorithm for the first iteration of the program. Conclusion: Broadly, this research will inform the development of the Bamboo WebApp, a widely accessible and cost-effective evidence-based framework to bolster maternal self-efficacy, mitigate postpartum maternal stress, anxiety, and depression, and alleviate the pressure on both the public healthcare system and not-for-profit organisations in Australia.
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Society for Mental Health Research Conference 2023: people and place
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1
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Perth, WA, Australia
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Society for Mental Health Research
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Perth, WA, Australia
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