Latina Mothers Recommendations on a Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group Intervention for Perinatal Depression

Background: Perinatal depression affects 5-15% of childbearing women. However, literature suggest that Latina women are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy. Group telehealth-based interventions are a promising approach to increasing access and reducing barriers to mental health services. However, little is known about the experience that childbearing Latinas have with navigating this approach. This paper aimed to explore Latina mothers’ perspectives and recommendations in using a telehealth modality to deliver a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCBT) group intervention.Methods: Fourteen pregnant or postpartum women participated in focus groups and individual interviews. Interview topics included perinatal depression, knowledge and content of interventions, and the feasibility and acceptability of the telehealth approach. Data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.Results: Three broad themes emerged; (1) accessibility to telehealth, (2) relational connection through technology, and (3) and technological issues affecting access (i.e., level of familiarity with portal, video quality, etc.). Enhancers promoting participation in the telehealth intervention included reduced scheduling concerns and no need for childcare. Barriers included mistrust of providers’ engagement, concerns about privacy, and potential for lack of relational connection through technology. Conclusion: Specific recommendations were provided to increase participation and effectiveness of telehealth groups among Latinas. Recommendations included conducting an initial assessment of women’s familiarity with and access to technology, having a tech-trained individual available to troubleshoot, as well as provider’s intentionality in conveying active listening and relational empathy (i.e., using eye contact during telehealth intervention, avoid limited distractions).Trial Registration: NCT03932760