A Protocol for Assessing the Impact of a Mobile Phone-Based Interactive Voice Response System on Postpartum Depression Screening in Ibadan, Ghana

Postpartum depression is a significant public health concern in Ghana, yet screening remains inconsistent, particularly in under-resourced settings. Traditional in-person methods face barriers of accessibility, stigma, and workforce constraints. Mobile health technologies, such as interactive voice response systems, may offer a practical avenue to increase screening reach. This protocol describes a study to assess the impact of a mobile phone-based interactive voice response system on postpartum depression screening in Ibadan, Ghana. The primary objective is to compare screening completion rates between an intervention group using the system and a control group receiving standard care. Secondary objectives include evaluating the system's acceptability and feasibility, and identifying barriers to its use. A two-arm, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Approximately 400 postpartum women attending selected maternal health clinics will be randomly allocated to either the intervention or control arm. The intervention group will receive automated, weekly interactive voice response calls administering the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for six weeks. The control group will receive standard, in-person screening at their six-week postnatal check-up. Data from phone surveys and clinic records will be analysed using appropriate statistical tests. As this is a study protocol, no empirical findings are available. The anticipated primary outcome is a measurable difference in screening completion rates between the two groups. This study will generate evidence on the potential of a low-cost, scalable interactive voice response system to improve postpartum depression screening coverage in a Ghanaian context. The findings will inform decisions on integrating mobile health solutions into routine postnatal care. Based on the study outcomes, recommendations will be made regarding the potential integration of interactive voice response systems into maternal healthcare programmes to improve screening access. postpartum depression, mHealth, interactive voice response, screening, Ghana, randomised controlled trial, maternal health. This protocol outlines a study designed to contribute practical evidence on the use of mobile phone-based technology to address a critical gap in perinatal mental health screening within a low-resource setting.