Objectives {7}
depression, anxiety
PRETERM BIRTH, SECONDARY
The primary aim of this study is to conduct an RCT to determine the effectiveness of remote, peer-delivered behavioural activation (BA) therapy, plus ongoing informal peer-support intervention to individuals with AD in reducing preterm birth. We hypothesize that our intervention will be associated with an increase in gestational age at delivery compared to the standard of care.The secondary aims of this trial are to determine whether the peer-administered intervention will be effective for treating AD prior to delivery, with persistence to 6 and 12 months postpartum, improving anxiety symptoms compared to controls.We hypothesize that participants in the intervention group will have:Significantly greater reduction in depression symptoms from T1 to T2, and significantly lower odds of depression at T2, T3 and T4 compared to controlsSignificantly greater reduction in anxiety symptoms from T1 to T2, and significantly lower odds of depression at T2, T3 and T4 compared to controlsWe will also qualitatively explore the lived experiences of peer counsellors in delivering the trial intervention. We hypothesize that experiences providing the intervention to peers will be perceived as positive and that peer counsellors may identify perceived benefits to their own mental well-being.