Please note: This trial has finished recruiting and is not accepting new participants.

Research Center: Medical University of South Carolina
Location: This is a nationwide virtual study
Lead Researcher: Constance Guille, M.D., M.S.C.R.
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Institutional Review Board

Background

 

The number of women dying during or following childbirth in the United States is higher than any other developed country. Black women are 2 to 3 times more likely to die than white women or Hispanic women. Mental health and substance use problems are a leading cause of death during the year following childbirth. The Medical University of South Carolina has designed a program to better detect and potentially treat mental health and substance use problems in pregnant and postpartum women. However, previous feedback about this program has been made by mostly white women.

This nationwide virtual research study seeks to provide the necessary data to aid in improving a technology-based mental health and substance use screening program for pregnant and postpartum women that can be easily accessed. This potential virtual screening program may help enhance the detection and treatment of substance use disorders and mental health problems among women.

Researchers are inviting Black women aged 18 to 45 years old who are in the peripartum period. The peripartum period is defined as the period from pregnancy up to 2 years postpartum. Interested participants must comply with all the necessary study requirements.  

Why Participate? 

 

• You will contribute valuable information that may improve the lives of women and their children.
• You may be able to provide data that may improve prevention programs that may produce positive maternal and child health outcomes. 
• You will be compensated between $20 and $40 for participating in this study.
• You will be helping to advance women’s health research.

Your Rights

 

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

 

• Black women aged 18 to 45 years old who are in the peripartum period.
  • The peripartum period is defined as the period from pregnancy up to 2 years postpartum.
• Participants must have a past or present substance use disorder (other than tobacco use) and/or a current or past mental health disorder that happened during their peripartum period.
• Participants must be willing to abstain from alcohol and/or substances (except for nicotine use) 12 hours prior to the online focus group session or individual interview session.
• Participants must be able to speak English.
• Participants must have regular internet access.
• Participants must be able to attend 1 online focus group session or an individual phone interview session.

About The Research Center:

 

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
As the clinical health system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest quality patient care available, while training generations of competent, compassionate health care providers to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. Comprising some 1,600 beds, more than 100 outreach sites, the MUSC College of Medicine, the physicians’ practice plan, and nearly 275 telehealth locations, MUSC Health owns and operates eight hospitals situated in Charleston, Chester, Florence, Lancaster and Marion counties. In 2020, for the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina.

Please note:

 

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the study team would like to note the following:

• This is a virtual study which means you can participate in the comfort of your own home. 
• There will be no in-person visits or clinic appointments in this study.
• In this study, there is no need to have close interactions with any person.