Social Media Versus Customized Mobile Apps for Online Perinatal Mental Health Support: The Potential for a Hybrid Model.

Abstract

A recent participatory co-design study for a social media-based mental health intervention targeting perinatal women in regional, rural, and remote communities identified five core intervention needs: peer support and connection, personalized care, access to information that is trustworthy and eases uncertainty, place and culturally specific support, and a digital platform that is accessible and easy to use. This commentary argues that digital platform selection should be addressed as an active intervention component. A hybrid model that uses the built-in user base and accessibility of social media alongside the increased privacy and content control afforded by a customized mobile app could maximize the benefits of both platforms to more fully address all components of the proposed intervention.