Exploring the feasibility and acceptability of a music-based intervention for postpartum depression in migrant women - 405 - an arts-based approach to mental health promotion

Sep 30, 2026

A music-based program, “Music & Motherhood,” is developed to address postpartum depression risk among migrant women who face low integration and limited social support. The initiative bridges gaps in nonpharmacological care where medication uptake/adherence can be low and psychotherapy results are mixed. A 10-week guided singing intervention will be adapted to Portugal and evaluated through longitudinal pre- and post-assessment using mixed methods. Expected outcomes include reduced depressive symptoms, stronger mother-baby bonding, and increased community support.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusions

vi120 European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 35, Supplement 6, 2025 Abstract citation ID: ckaf180 .333 405 Exploring the feasibility and acceptability of a music-based intervention for postpartum depression in migrant women: an arts-based approach to mental health promotion M.J. Marques1, A.R. Goes1, Filipa Garvão2, Sonia Dias1 1NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, CHRC, REAL, CCAL, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal 2NOVA National School of Public Health, Lisbon, Portugal EP1.4, e-Poster Terminal 1, September 4, 2025, 11:35-13:00 Aims: Some migrant women face numerous vulnerabilities, such as poor levels of integration and lack of social support, leading to an increased risk of developing postpartum depression. If left untreated, it may have serious consequences, both for the mother and the baby. Pharmacological treatment can be effective but is often limited by low uptake and adherence among mothers. Psychotherapy shows mixed results and is also hindered by low uptake or delayed treatment. “Music & Motherhood” aims to bridge the gap in nonpharmacological treatment options through a music-based intervention. Initially implemented in the UK with promising results, the intervention is now being adapted to the Portuguese context to explore its acceptability, feasibility and transferability. Methods: In a 10-week intervention, mothers from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, including those of migrant 2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi121 origin, and their babies will engage in guided singing activities led by a singing leader. In these sessions, mothers will learn songs that are not language-specific to ensure inclusiveness for different cultural groups. To evaluate the implementation and impact of the intervention, we will use a mixed-methods approach, guided by implementation science frameworks, through a longitudinal pre-and post-assessment study. Results: We expect this intervention to reduce depressive symptoms, strengthen mother-baby bonding, and foster a sense of community and mutual support among participating mothers. Moreover, evaluating its implementation and outcomes will offer valuable insights torefine and expand future music-based approaches in maternal mental health. Conclusions: This study may highlight the potential of music-based interventions as an accessible, culturally inclusive approach to supporting maternal mental health, especially for migrant women. By fostering mother-baby bonding and creating a supportive community, this initiative could address some of the challenges faced by these groups experiencing vulnerabilities.

FAQs

Why was the music-based “Music & Motherhood” intervention created for migrant postpartum women?

Migrant women may experience poor integration and limited social support, increasing postpartum depression risk. The program aims to provide a culturally inclusive nonpharmacological option when medication uptake/adherence is limited and psychotherapy shows mixed results.

What does the 10-week intervention involve?

Mothers and their babies participate in guided singing sessions led by a singing leader. Mothers learn songs that are not language-specific to support inclusiveness across cultural groups.

How will the study evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and impact?

A mixed-methods, longitudinal pre-and post-assessment design will be used, guided by implementation science frameworks, to assess both implementation and outcomes.

What outcomes are expected from the intervention?

The study expects reduced depressive symptoms, strengthened mother-baby bonding, and a sense of community and mutual support, with insights to refine and expand future maternal mental health approaches.

Sep 30, 2026

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