An observational study in Postnatal Depression and Postpartum Depression (PPD), sponsored by University Hospital, Toulouse. Completed at 4 sites in France. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-05-08.
Sponsored by University Hospital, Toulouse · Observational
The HUGS-QUALI study is a qualitative investigation that explores the experiences of mothers who participated in HUGS mother-baby therapy groups. Conducted 6 to 12 months after the intervention, the study aims to understand how this culturally adapted therapy influences the bond between mothers and their infants and affects their daily lives. By collecting detailed personal stories through in-depth interviews, the study seeks to understand if the adapted HUGS program effectively support French mothers in improving their interactions with their babies, when facing postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression affects 15-20% of women in France and is often associated with impaired mother-infant interactions, a disruption observed in up to 73% of cases that can adversely influence both short and long-term child development. Although standard treatments effectively reduce depressive symptoms, they frequently fail to enhance the quality of the maternal bond, underscoring the need for interventions specifically targeted at early relational dynamics. The HUGS program (Happiness, Understanding, Giving, and Sharing), a brief cognitive behavioral therapy originally validated by Professor Jeannette Milgrom's Australian team, has been culturally adapted for the French context to improve mother-infant relationships. The ancillary HUGS-QUALI study employs a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews with mothers 6 to 12 months following their participation in HUGS mother-baby groups, implemented across several French maternity centers.
528 studies on the registry are indexed under Depression, Postpartum; 124 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 12 is below the median of 200 across 88 observational studies indexed under Depression, Postpartum.
Browse Depression, Postpartum studies →University Hospital, Toulouse is the lead sponsor of 794 studies on the registry; 214 are open to participants now.
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The study participants are drawn from a clinical cohort of mothers who attended HUGS mother-baby groups at specialized maternity centers in France. Specifically, they represent patients from Toulouse University Hospital (Paule de Viguier Maternity), Joseph Ducuing Maternity in Toulouse, and Bordeaux Maternity. These women, must have completed the follow-up of the original HUGS study.
Exclusion Criteria:
Qualitative Analysis of Maternal Narratives Reflecting the Impact of the Intervention on the Mother-Infant Relationship
Qualitative thematic analysis of interview transcripts (no specific scale nor questionnaire) the semi directive interview guideline is confidential. Each interview will undergo multiple readings to identify emerging themes and sub-themes. The thematic framework will be validated through coding triangulation to ensure consistency and reliability of the findings.
Time frame: 6 to 12 months after completion of the HUGS mother-baby therapy groups.
This study is completed, as verified in May 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University Hospital, Toulouse