Conclusions
This was the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of mHealth consultation services in preventing PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study showed the considerable potential of mHealth interventions and possible mechanisms to prevent PPD and ensure equity in services in real-world settings. Removing physical and psychosocial barriers to healthcare through mHealth can be a valuable option to improve perinatal mental health in local government policies. Future studies should explore the effective components of mHealth consultation and detailed mechanisms for preventing PPD and evaluate whether these services reduce the disparity in PPD onset across socioeconomic statuses [