Effective Strategies for Addressing Maternal Depression

Importance of Technology-Supported Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Maternal depression, encompassing both prenatal depression (PND) and postpartum depression (PPD), poses significant challenges to women’s health and the developmental well-being of their infants. Various studies have highlighted the prevalence of maternal depression, estimating an overall mean prevalence of approximately 26.3% globally, with rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often being underreported due to insufficient screening and lack of resources (Worku et al., 2025). Given this pressing public health issue, technology-supported mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate maternal depression.

Recent systematic reviews indicate that technology-supported MBIs can effectively reduce symptoms of maternal depression. For example, a meta-analysis found a significant pooled effect size of -0.55 (95% CI [-0.70; -0.40], p < 0.001), demonstrating the positive impact of these interventions on maternal mental health (Worku et al., 2025). This finding underscores the potential of integrating technology into maternal care, especially for women in resource-limited settings where traditional therapeutic options may be less accessible. The use of mobile health applications, online platforms, and digital resources can enhance engagement and adherence to mindfulness practices, providing mothers with tools to manage their mental health effectively.

Table 1: Summary of Technology-Supported MBIs for Maternal Depression

This table illustrates the effectiveness of various technology-supported MBIs, emphasizing their role in addressing maternal mental health.

Association Between Oral Health and Overweight in Older Adults

Oral health significantly impacts overall health, particularly in older adults where conditions such as tooth loss and periodontal disease can influence dietary habits and nutritional status (Wu et al., 2025). Research indicates that poor oral health conditions are associated with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among older adults. In a study conducted in Chinese communities, it was found that older adults with poor oral health (high DMFT index) were 1.86 times more likely to be overweight or obese compared to those with better oral health (Wu et al., 2025).

Table 2: Association Between Oral Health and Obesity in Older Adults

The findings highlight the critical need for integrated health strategies that address both oral health and weight management in older adults, as maintaining good oral hygiene may help mitigate the risk of obesity and associated health complications.

Recovery-Oriented and Trauma-Informed Care in Mental Health

Recovery-oriented care (ROC) and trauma-informed care (TIC) frameworks are essential for promoting human rights and improving the quality of mental health care. These approaches emphasize the importance of understanding the lived experiences of individuals with mental health conditions and recognizing the impact of trauma on their recovery journey (Melillo et al., 2025). ROC focuses on empowering individuals, promoting autonomy, and fostering recovery, while TIC aims to create a safe and supportive environment that acknowledges the prevalence of trauma in mental health settings.

Table 3: Principles of Recovery-Oriented and Trauma-Informed Care

By integrating ROC and TIC principles into mental health practices, care providers can enhance the therapeutic relationship and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Nutritional Education Interventions to Combat Low Energy Availability

Low energy availability (LEA) is a prevalent issue among athletes and can lead to significant health problems, including disordered eating and menstrual dysfunction (DeJong Lempke et al., 2025). Nutritional education interventions have been shown to effectively increase knowledge and improve dietary behaviors among athletes at risk of LEA. A systematic review identified that educational programs focusing on fueling strategies and nutritional intake significantly benefit athletes’ understanding of energy balance and dietary needs.

Table 4: Nutritional Interventions and Their Impact on Athletes

These interventions highlight the importance of tailored educational strategies to combat LEA and promote overall health and performance in athletes.

Intersectionality in Help-Seeking for Eating Disorders

Individuals from marginalized social backgrounds, such as those defined by race, gender, and body weight, often face unique barriers when seeking treatment for eating disorders (EDs). Research indicates that people with intersecting marginalized identities experience lower rates of help-seeking behavior, despite reporting higher levels of ED symptoms (Wilkins et al., 2025). The intersectionality framework allows for a nuanced understanding of how multiple identities influence access to care and treatment outcomes.

Table 5: Help-Seeking Rates Among Marginalized Groups

This data emphasizes the necessity for inclusive mental health interventions that consider the unique experiences of individuals with multiple marginalized identities, thereby improving access to effective treatment for EDs.

FAQ Section

What are the signs of maternal depression?
Signs include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and feelings of worthlessness.

How can technology assist in managing maternal depression?
Technology can provide access to mindfulness-based interventions through apps, online support groups, and teletherapy, making mental health care more accessible.

Why is oral health important for older adults?
Good oral health is linked to better nutritional intake, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases.

What is recovery-oriented care?
Recovery-oriented care focuses on empowering individuals with mental health conditions, promoting their autonomy, and fostering a supportive environment conducive to recovery.

How does intersectionality affect help-seeking for eating disorders?
Individuals with multiple marginalized identities often face additional barriers to seeking help, which can lead to lower rates of treatment access despite experiencing higher levels of ED symptoms.

References

1. Worku, B. T., Abdulahi, M., Demissew, A., Bonnechère, B., et al. (2025). Effect of technology-supported mindfulness-based interventions for maternal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis with implementation perspectives for resource-limited settings. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 25(1), 7286. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07286-9

2. Wu, K., Wei, Y., Xinhua, L., & Zheng, Y. (2025). Association of oral health status with overweight and obesity in older adults aged ≥ 65 years- evidence from Chinese communities. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 21546. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21546-5

3. Melillo, A., Sansone, N., Allan, J., Gill, N., Herrman, H., et al. (2025). Recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care for people with mental disorders to promote human rights and quality of mental health care: a scoping review. BMC Psychiatry, 25(1), 64731. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06473-4

4. DeJong Lempke, A. F., Whitney, K. E., & Reece, L. M. (2025). Nutritional education interventions for athletes related to low energy availability: A systematic review. PLoS One, 18(1), e0314506. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314506

5. Wilkins, J., Ahmed, M., Allen, K., & Schmidt, U. (2025). Intersectionality in help-seeking for eating disorders: a systematic scoping review. Journal of Eating Disorders, 13, 12021. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01202-4