momHealth: Multiple Health Behavior Change Intervention in Teen Pregnancy & Parenting Using Mobile Technology

This is a RCT to pilot test an innovative multiple health behavior intervention to influence
three areas of health for pregnant and parenting adolescents: breastfeeding, healthy
eating/active living, and depression prevention. Intervention and control groups will be
compared in the main outcomes of the study (see 4.2.c. and 4.3). Beginning in the last eight
weeks of pregnancy and extending to one month after giving birth, we use mobile health
technology (e.g., iPad minis) to deliver multi-media educational modules, text-messaging,
virtual home visits with professionals using secure televideo, and real-time peer group
support over televideo. At birth, five weeks, and three months after giving birth,
effectiveness of the program outcomes will be assessed and compared to a usual care control
group and include breastfeeding/infant-feeding practices; healthy eating and physical
activity; and depressive symptoms. This is the first known study to address these multiple
behaviors simultaneously with pregnant and parenting adolescent women.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Pregnant females

- English-speaking

- Giving birth to first child

- Intending to keep the newborn

- Access to a telephone

- 27-31 weeks gestation

- Low-risk pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

- Multiple gestation pregnancy

- High-risk pregnancy

- Women with active untreated mental health conditions such as affective disorder,
substance use disorder, anxiety disorder (excluding simple phobia), or psychosis