The Impact of Digital Health on Maternal Mental Health in Nigeria

Abstract Maternal mental health remains a critical yet underrecognized public health concern in Nigeria, with postpartum depression (PPD) and maternal suicide emerging as significant challenges due to limited access to mental healthcare services, stigma, and systemic barriers. This study explores the potential of digital health solutions such as mobile applications, teletherapy, AI-driven mental health chatbots, and SMS-based interventions in addressing postpartum mental health disorders among Nigerian mothers. Using a quantitative survey of 200 postpartum women, the research examines the effectiveness, accessibility, and challenges associated with digital mental health interventions. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Funding Statement The study did not receive any funding Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: Olabisi Onabanjo University, Faculty of Pharmacy. Faculty of Pharmacy, Ethics Committee I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes Data Availability All data produced in the present work are contained in the manuscript