Background
depression
PND
Globally, perinatal depression (PND) is the most common contributor to pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, with an onset occurring in 33.4% women during pregnancy and up to 40% within the first postnatal year [Considering the high prevalence of PND, its adverse impact, and lack of mental health workforce to address this issue, there is an urgent need to develop and implement non-specialist delivered preventative interventions for the condition. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), provided in different delivery formats, is an evidence-based intervention recommended as first line psychological intervention for both treatment and prevention of PND [Turkey prioritizes the provision of effective, high quality health services in terms of maternal and infant health, and provides ‘antenatal pregnancy schools’ where women are invited to attend 5 weekly group sessions that incorporate education about pregnancy and newborn care. During the COVID19 pandemic, these classes were adapted into an on-line platform where women could access training videos on the website of the General Directorate of Public Hospitals of the Ministry of Health (MoH) [