Beyond the Bump: A social media-based universal prevention intervention for perinatal mental health in North Queensland

Beyond the Bump is a social media-based intervention under co-design, aiming to promote mental wellbeing and prevent perinatal depression, anxiety, and stress among women in North Queensland.

The program uses platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to deliver accessible psychoeducational content grounded in evidence-based frameworks, including interpersonal therapy (IPT), strengths-based psychology, and self-compassion. The intervention seeks to normalise common emotional experiences, reduce stigma, and strengthen social connection and coping skills. Co-design is being undertaken with perinatal women and health professionals to shape content, tone, delivery, and engagement strategies. A pilot and impact evaluation are planned following the co-design phase.

Commenced in 2025; co-design to complete be late 2025-2026. Pilot phase expected late 2026.

Sampling frame: Perinatal women (pregnancy to 12 months postpartum) living in North Queensland, including rural, regional, and remote communities. Co-design phase includes end-users and service providers via qualitative interviews and focus groups.

Study website: jcu.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6S8emM0JgguefSS