Design and Pilot Development of an mHealth Application for the Prevention and Early Detection of Postpartum Depression in Greece

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects a substantial proportion of women globally and is often underdiagnosed due to barriers in screening, stigma, and limited access to care. This study presents the design and pilot evaluation of an mHealth application (“HeartHabit”) intended to support user awareness, self-monitoring, and potential identification of symptoms of PPD among Greek-speaking mothers. An alpha version of the application was evaluated through an online survey with 30 women within the first postpartum year, using a walkthrough video. The evaluation focused on perceived usability and acceptability rather than clinical outcomes or real-world use. Usability and app quality were assessed via the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a qualitative version of the user Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS), respectively, adopting a mixed-methods approach. Demographics, and mood and stress screening data were also captured. Quantitative data were analysed via descriptive statistics and qualitative responses via Framework Analysis. The results indicated high perceived usability (mean SUS = 83.7/100). Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of practical usability, self-regulation tools, personalisation, and connectivity with healthcare professionals. Privacy, data transparency, and user control over personal data were perceived as critical for trust. The application was perceived as a potentially useful adjunct to formal care or as at-home support when access to services is limited. Larger, controlled trials, clinical implementation protocols and clinician training are needed to promote the app’s safe integration into formal care. This mixed-methods evaluation, incorporating usability assessment and patient involvement, may offer a useful paradigm for early-stage digital mental health intervention development.