The list of Apple ResearchKit apps continues to grow with the introduction of the PPD ACT app from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The PPD ACT app is aimed at helping researchers understand why some women suffer from postpartum depression and others do not — utilizing genetic data in the process.
The Apple ResearchKit app, PPD ACT, is a research study developed by the Postpartum Depression: Action Towards Causes and Treatment (PACT) Consortium and University of North Carolina researchers. The ResearchKit app asks women to first answer questions about childbirth, mood, and other key symptoms associated during and after pregnancy. Based on the responses study participants are asked to give a saliva sample utilizing a kit that is mailed to them. The goal is to see if there is a correlation between symptoms of postpartum depression and genetics.
This study is very exciting as it’s the first ResearchKit study that utilizes genetic data combined with a participants symptoms in order to see if there is a correlation with a type of clinical depression. Other ResearchKit studies are now starting to incorporate collection of genetic data as well.
PPD ACT app: iPhone, iPad Link
