AI-Enabled Wearable Monitoring for Detection of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
University of Hawaii
Summary
The goal of this observational study is to examine whether passively collected wearable data can be used to predict onset and severity of postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. When do depression and anxiety symptoms emerge, worsen, and improve across the first 6 months postpartum? 2. Can machine learning/artificial intelligence models prospectively predict clinically significant depression symptoms using Apple Watch metrics? Women who have given birth within the past 2 months and who live in Hawai'i will be eligible for the study. Participants will wear an Apple Watch and answer weekly online survey questions until they reach 6 months postpartum. The study is designed to be fully remote to maximize accessibility across the Hawaiian Islands.
Description
Mental health conditions are the leading cause of perinatal death in the United States, accounting for more than one-quarter of pregnancy-related deaths. Perinatal depression is particularly common, with up to 28% of postpartum individuals meeting criteria for clinically significant depression. Objective, noninvasive biomarkers, particularly from wearables (e.g., Apple Watch), can passively measure sleep, activity, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, avoiding reporting bias and revealing underlying physiology. However, empirical evidence for wearable-based detection of postpartum depression is…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Be at least 18 years old; * Be within two months after giving birth at the time of enrollment; * Live in Hawai'i; * Have access to an iPhone that is compatible with the study-specific iOS application and Apple Watch; * Be able to understand the study information and provide informed consent; and * Be able to read and complete study procedures in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Less than 18 years old; * Has not given birth within the past 2 months; * Does not live in Hawai'i; * Does not have access to a study-compatible iPhone; * Cannot understand study information and p…
Location
- University of Hawai'i at MānoaHonolulu, Hawaii