ABSTRACT
Background: Evidence demonstrates Digital Health Interventions (DHI) successfully support health promotion. We had developed a bank of text messages for a DHI postpartum trial (SmartMums) for women with gestational diabetes, this study was delayed because of the COVID pandemic. Instead, we repurposed these text-messages to address mental health, parenting and healthy lifestyle to support post-partum women as part of our pandemic response. From October to December 2020, women at our hospital discharged with term babies were sent a text invitation to register for the HealthyMums@Westmead program, and 97% registered completed the six-month program. The aim of this research is to assess acceptability of this DHI during the pandemic. Methods: Text-invitation to complete evaluation survey was sent to pre-registered participants. Questions included demographics and Likert response to message content and delivery. Results: 38 of 105 participants provided feedback. Most respondents were primiparous (62%) and born overseas (54%). All agreed the messages were easy to understand with 87% agreeing the text-support gave valuable information they could use. Three messages per week were considered just right for 89%. Half felt the messages helped increase physical activity and improve their diet. Free text responses included: 'Thanks for supporting in this difficult time','?made me feel like someone still cared for us', '?a major role in improving my mental health', 'It inspired me and helped me in weight loss', '?links to COPE and PANDA where very timely'. Conclusions: Text-messaging was an acceptable and valued support during COVID-19 interrupted services. Further research should review ongoing use of DHI postpartum.