1
|
Bingol FB, Aydoğan A, Karaçam ZD, Çayiroğlu D, Karanfil B, Kaya HN. Are smartphones a tool to cope with the fear of childbirth? The correlation between the fear of loss of connection and the fear of childbirth. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2024; 70:e20240550. [PMID: 39230070 PMCID: PMC11371127 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20240550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With the spread of smartphones, they have become an indispensable part of life, and nomophobia (No-Mobile-Phone Phobia) has emerged. METHODS The present research is a cross-sectional study and was conducted with 3,870 primiparous pregnant women between April and May 2022. The research data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Nomophobia Questionnaire, and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire. RESULTS The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire score of the pregnant women who participated in the study was 22.3% (n=863) had a clinical fear of childbirth and 19.5% (n=753) had extreme nomophobia. Considering the correlation of the Nomophobia Questionnaire and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire scores with other variables, it was found that the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire scores increased with the increasing Nomophobia Questionnaire total score (p=0.000, r=236) and the Nomophobia Questionnaire total score and fear of childbirth increased with an increase in the daily phone usage time. It was also revealed that women who had smartphone applications related to fetal development had higher nomophobia levels (p=0.0001), while they had a lower fear of childbirth. CONCLUSION This study found that one in every five pregnant women was extremely nomophobic and had a clinical fear of childbirth and that nomophobia and the fear of childbirth were correlated at the clinical level. In this regard, women should prefer face-to-face communication rather than smartphones throughout the pregnancy period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fadime Bayri Bingol
- Marmara University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery – İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Arzu Aydoğan
- Yüksek İhtisas University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing – Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Zeynep Dilşah Karaçam
- Marmara University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery – İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Derya Çayiroğlu
- Marmara University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery – İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Büşra Karanfil
- Marmara University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery – İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Hatice Nur Kaya
- Marmara University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery – İstanbul, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Graca S, Alloh F, Lagojda L, Dallaway A, Kyrou I, Randeva HS, Kite C. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Internet of Things: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1671. [PMID: 39201229 PMCID: PMC11354210 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder impacting women's health and quality of life. This scoping review explores the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in PCOS management. Results were grouped into six domains of the IoT: mobile apps, social media, wearables, machine learning, websites, and phone-based. A further domain was created to capture participants' perspectives on using the IoT in PCOS management. Mobile apps appear to be useful for menstrual cycle tracking, symptom recording, and education. Despite concerns regarding the quality and reliability of social media content, these platforms may play an important role in disseminating PCOS-related information. Wearables facilitate detailed symptom monitoring and improve communication with healthcare providers. Machine learning algorithms show promising results in PCOS diagnosis accuracy, risk prediction, and app development. Although abundant, PCOS-related content on websites may lack quality and cultural considerations. While patients express concerns about online misinformation, they consider online forums valuable for peer connection. Using text messages and phone calls to provide feedback and support to PCOS patients may help them improve lifestyle behaviors and self-management skills. Advancing evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and accessible IoT solutions can enhance their potential to transform PCOS care, address misinformation, and empower women to better manage their symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Graca
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK; (S.G.); (F.A.); (A.D.)
| | - Folashade Alloh
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK; (S.G.); (F.A.); (A.D.)
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Lukasz Lagojda
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; (L.L.)
- Clinical Evidence Based Information Service (CEBIS), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK
| | - Alexander Dallaway
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK; (S.G.); (F.A.); (A.D.)
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; (L.L.)
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; (L.L.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Harpal S. Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; (L.L.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Chris Kite
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK; (S.G.); (F.A.); (A.D.)
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; (L.L.)
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Chester Medical School, University of Chester, Shrewsbury SY3 8HQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang L, Zou L, Yi H, Li T, Zhou R, Yang J, Wang J, Zhang C, Guo H. The implementation of online and offline hybrid weight management approach for pregnant women based on the Fogg behavior model in Hainan, China: a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:516. [PMID: 39080659 PMCID: PMC11289958 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06699-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed at evaluating the effects of online and offline hybrid weight management approach based on the Fogg behavior model on total gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes. METHODS Pregnant women in Hainan, the southernmost province of China, were recruited into a randomized controlled trial, which was designed to develop a WeChat platform for pregnancy weight management, and implement individualized and continuous pregnancy weight management services for pregnant women under the guidance of the Fogg behavior model. All pregnant women participating in the study were included in the full analysis set (FAS) for analysis. The pregnant women who completed the intervention and provided all outcome indicators were included in the per protocol set (PPS) for outcome evaluation. RESULTS Fifty-eight pregnant women were included in FAS analysis, and 52 pregnant women were finally included in PPS analysis. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two groups at baseline. The gestational weight gain of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In the control group, the rate of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy was 48.26%, the rate of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy was 93.30% in the intervention group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In the delivery outcomes, the cesarean section rate in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational hypertension in the intervention group was lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The neonatal weight and incidence of macrosomia of the intervention group were lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study combined the individualized and continuous pregnancy weight management of the online WeChat platform and offline consultation based on the Fogg behavior model, showing great potential in improving maternal and infant outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered with www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx , Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200066707, 2022-12-14, retrospectively registered).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linjie Wang
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Longhua District, No.3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Lanli Zou
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Longhua District, No.3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Huanying Yi
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Longhua District, No.3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Tong Li
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Longhua District, No.3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Longhua District, No.3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jing Yang
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Longhua District, No.3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jia Wang
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Longhua District, No.3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Caihong Zhang
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Longhua District, No.3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Honghua Guo
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Longhua District, No.3 Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bhowmik J, Gunarathne L, Bhar S, Bhowmik U, Biswas RK. Antenatal Care Visits, Institutional Births, and Associated Risk Factors in Afghanistan: Insights from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2022-2023. J Midwifery Womens Health 2024. [PMID: 38997800 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Insufficient use of antenatal care (ANC) services and institutional births services can elevate the maternal mortality risk in limited resource settings. Hence, the key objective of this study was to evaluate the potential association between the frequency of ANC visits and institutional birth services in Afghanistan, while also identifying other sociodemographic factors that may exert influence. Furthermore, we explored factors associated with the attendance of women at ANC visits during their pregnancy. METHODS We employed data from the most recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey conducted in Afghanistan in 2022 to 2023 with a total of 8096 women aged 15 to 49. A complex survey weight-adjusted logistic regression model was used to examine factors related to institutional births, and a multinomial logistic regression model was fitted to assess the relationships between sociodemographic factors and ANC visits, adjusting for survey weights, cluster effects, and strata. RESULTS Approximately 40% of the sample (n = 3247) had undergone 4 or more ANC visits, and 74.4% (n = 6,022) had opted for institutional birth. Women's higher education was found to be associated with ANC visits. The area of residence, wealth index, education levels of women, ownership of mobile phones, number of children, and number of ANC visits were associated with institutional births. Compared with women with no or one ANC visit, those with more than 3 visits had 31% higher odds (adjusted odds ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.10-1.57) of accessing institutional births. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate a significant association between ANC visits and use of institutional birth care. These findings carry implications for advancing safe motherhood and childbirth by enhancing women's social status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jahar Bhowmik
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lakma Gunarathne
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sunil Bhar
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Udayan Bhowmik
- School of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raaj Kishore Biswas
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pang H, Wang Y, Zhang W. Can health information acquisition on mobile app influence psychological and physical well-being? Examining mediating role of bonding and bridging capital. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 247:104297. [PMID: 38788613 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mobile application (app), with its expansive reservoir of data and content, harbors considerable promise in advancing health outcomes at both the individual and population levels. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of scholars that concretely examine the dynamics of health information acquisition within mobile app. This research presents a conceptual model aimed at investigating the potential ramifications of health information acquisition on both individuals' psychological and physical well-being. Concurrently, this research attempts to illuminate the underlying mechanisms behind these correlations through evaluating the mediating role of bonding and bridging social capital. The obtained results of a web-based survey conducted among 656 college students in mainland China suggest a positive association between health information acquisition and bonding and bridging social capital. Moreover, the study reveals that the impact of health information acquisition via mobile applications on psychological and physical well-being is significantly mediated by college students' bonding and bridging social capital. The cultivation of bonding social capital could exert a direct and positive influence on college students' physical well-being. However, there appears to be no discernible correlation between bridging social capital and physical well-being. Taken collectively, these findings not only complement extant theoretical perspectives within the scholarship concerning mobile app usage for health improvement, but also furnish several pragmatic guidelines for healthcare professionals and mobile app designers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Pang
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wanting Zhang
- Department of Literature, Art and Media Studies, University of Constance, Constance 78464, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Korkmaz Aslan G, Kılınç İşleyen E, Kartal A, Koştu N. The relation between eHealth literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours in pregnant women. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae022. [PMID: 38501310 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between eHealth literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five family health centres in a city in the western part of Turkey. The study sample consisted of 201 pregnant women who were admitted to the five family health centres between September and December 2022. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the eHealth Literacy Scale and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours in Pregnancy Scale were used to collect data. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore predictors of health-promoting behaviours. The mean score of the eHealth Literacy Scale was 29.37 ± 6.20. The mean score of the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale was 119.69 ± 13.58. Multiple linear regression showed that predictors of healthy lifestyle behaviours among pregnant women were eHealth literacy, using internet to access health information and gestational age. eHealth literacy was found to be an important factor affecting the healthy lifestyle behaviours of pregnant women. This study highlights the importance of considering pregnant women's eHealth literacy in interventions aimed at improving healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gülbahar Korkmaz Aslan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health Nursing Department, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Campus, Pamukkale, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Eda Kılınç İşleyen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health Nursing Department, Uşak University, 1 Eylül Campus, Uşak, Türkiye
| | - Asiye Kartal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health Nursing Department, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Campus, Pamukkale, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Nazan Koştu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health Nursing Department, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Campus, Pamukkale, Denizli, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dai Y, Min H, Sun L, Wang X, Zhu C, Gu C. Assessing women's and health professionals' views on developing a midwifery-led mobile health app intervention in pregnancy: A descriptive qualitative study. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38332497 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To explore women's and health professionals' views on the development of a midwifery-led mHealth app intervention in antenatal care and their demands for app functionality. DESIGN Descriptive qualitative research was utilized. METHODS In total, 15 pregnant or postpartum women were interviewed via in-depth interviews and 10 health professionals including obstetricians, midwives and obstetric nurses were invited to participate in a focus group discussion (FGD). All interviews and the FGD were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Four key themes emerged from the data, including (1) limitations of current maternity care services; (2) potential benefits for mHealth app-based midwifery care; (3) possible challenges for providing midwifery care through mHealth apps and (4) suggestions and needs for developing a midwifery-led mHealth app. Participants agreed on the potential need of developing a midwifery-led mHealth app in antenatal care to increase access to midwifery care services and to meet women's diverse needs. Participants preferred to develop professional, reliable, full-featured and interactive mobile applications. The main functions of midwifery-led mHealth apps included personalized assessment and health education, self-monitoring and feedback, data sharing and interactive functions. Women mentioned that online communication and consultation with midwives could help them receive continuous support outside facilities. Health professionals expressed it would be of great convenience and timeliness to send personalized messages to women and to inform them of healthy lifestyles during pregnancy. The challenges included a shortage of human resources, medico-legal risks associated with mHealth and data security risks. CONCLUSIONS This study explores the individual views and functional needs of target users and healthcare providers for developing a midwifery-led mHealth app in antenatal care, which will serve as a reference for future application development. IMPACT Our study has important and practical implications for guiding the development of future midwifery-led mHealth app interventions. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaming Dai
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Min
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Sun
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojiao Wang
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxiang Zhu
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyi Gu
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mazaheri Habibi MR, Moghbeli F, Langarizadeh M, Fatemi Aghda SA. Mobile health apps for pregnant women usability and quality rating scales: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:34. [PMID: 38183035 PMCID: PMC10768378 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06206-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study is to identify the apps used by pregnant women during the technology era and to choose the best app from the point of view of pregnant women and experts. METHODS The article is a research article that uses PRISMA flowchart. Given that there are many apps in the field of pregnancy and due to technological advances, the articles of the last 13 years that have been scientifically published in the databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct have been analyzed. The most widely used and, at the same time, the best app is introduced in terms of its high usability in users' attitude. Finally, Apps will be compared in terms of accuracy, precision, and usability of the dimensions of Jacob Nielsen's five principles. RESULTS According to the search strategy, 23 articles were identified qualitatively by reviewing both authors. Then, the types of apps were divided into three general categories, pregnant entertainment apps, pregnant information apps, and monitoring apps for mothers' physical health. Finally, 10 apps were selected and the Amila app was introduced as the best due to its high usability (Effectiveness %66.66) and users' satisfaction or women's choice (%98). CONCLUSION Using trusted apps to maintain their health and reduce traffic will be very important. Given that this research article was written with the aim of choosing the best app, that not only provides the required information to mothers, but also the ability to interact with doctors and specialists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fateme Moghbeli
- Department of Health Information Technology, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mostafa Langarizadeh
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Fatemi Aghda
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Health Technology Assessment and Medical Informatics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hao J, Yang L, Wang Y, Lan Y, Xu X, Wang Z, Li Z, Ma L, Li J, Zhang S, Sun Y. Mobile Prenatal Education and Its Impact on Reducing Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Retrospective Real-World Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e46910. [PMID: 38117555 PMCID: PMC10765290 DOI: 10.2196/46910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is a pivotal phase in a woman's life, demanding special attention to ensure maternal and fetal health. Prenatal education plays a vital role in promoting healthy pregnancies and reducing adverse outcomes for pregnant women. Mobile prenatal education programs have gained traction due to their accessibility and timeliness, especially in light of finite health care resources and the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile-based prenatal education program in improving pregnancy outcomes. METHODS We developed a mobile-based prenatal education curriculum in collaboration with a multidisciplinary maternal care team from Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) in Beijing, China. Data were retrospectively collected from 1941 pregnant women who had registered for the PUMCH mobile prenatal education program and subsequently delivered at PUMCH between May 2021 and August 2022. The study compared pregnancy outcomes between the completing group, which were pregnant women who had completed at least 1 course, and the noncompleting group. We also analyzed differences among course topics within the completing group and assessed course topic popularity among pregnant women. RESULTS The PUMCH mobile prenatal education curriculum consists of 436 courses across 9 topics. Out of the participants, a total of 1521 did not complete any courses, while 420 completed at least 1 course. Compared with the noncompleting group, pregnant women who completed courses exhibited a significant reduction in the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, induced abortion, postpartum infection, fetal intrauterine distress, and neonatal malformation. Among those in the completing group, a total of 86% (361/420) started course completion during the first and second trimesters. Furthermore, completing courses related to topics of pregnancy psychology and pregnancy nutrition was associated with reduced risks of premature rupture of membranes and small for gestational age infants, respectively. Pregnancy psychology and postpartum recovery were the preferred topics among pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates the potential of mobile-based prenatal education programs in improving pregnancy outcomes and supporting health care providers in delivering effective prenatal education. The rise of mobile prenatal education presents an opportunity to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Further research and broader implementation of such programs are warranted to continually improve maternal and child health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hao
- Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yaxin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Lan
- Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyang Wang
- Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zanmei Li
- Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liangkun Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Suhan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Er YT, Chan YM, Mohd Shariff Z, Abdul Hamid H, Mat Daud Z'A, Yong HY. Dietitian-led cluster randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of mHealth education on health outcomes among pregnant women: a protocol paper. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075937. [PMID: 37989361 PMCID: PMC10660825 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nutrition education is the cornerstone to maintain optimal pregnancy outcomes including gestational weight gain (GWG). Nevertheless, default for appointments is common and often lead to suboptimal achievement of GWG, accompanied with unfavourable maternal and child health outcomes. While mobile health (mHealth) usage is increasing and helps minimising barriers to clinic appointments among pregnant mothers, its effectiveness on health outcomes has been inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to address the gap between current knowledge and clinical care, by exploring the effectiveness of mHealth on GWG as the primary outcome, hoping to serve as a fundamental work to achieve optimal health outcomes with the improvement of secondary outcomes such as physical activity, psychosocial well-being, dietary intake, quality of life and sleep quality among pregnant mothers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A total of 294 eligible participants will be recruited and allocated into 3 groups comprising of mHealth intervention alone, mHealth intervention integrated with personal medical nutrition therapy and a control group. Pretested structured questionnaires are used to obtain the respondents' personal information, anthropometry data, prenatal knowledge, physical activity, psychosocial well-being, dietary intake, quality of life, sleep quality and GWG. There will be at least three time points of data collection, with all participants recruited during their first or second trimester will be followed up prospectively (after 3 months or/and after 6 months) until delivery. Generalised linear mixed models will be used to compare the mean changes of outcome measures over the entire study period between the three groups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approvals were obtained from the ethics committee of human subjects research of Universiti Putra Malaysia (JKEUPM-2022-072) and medical research & ethics committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia: NMRR ID-22-00622-EPU(IIR). The results will be disseminated through journals and conferences targeting stakeholders involved in nutrition research. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinicaltrial.gov ID: NCT05377151.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ting Er
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yoke Mun Chan
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Research Centre of Excellence Nutrition and Non-communicable Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zalilah Mohd Shariff
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Habibah Abdul Hamid
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zulfitri 'Azuan Mat Daud
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Research Centre of Excellence Nutrition and Non-communicable Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Heng Yaw Yong
- Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jawad D, Taki S, Baur L, Rissel C, Mihrshahi S, Ming Wen L. Resources used and trusted regarding child health information by culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia: An online cross-sectional survey. Int J Med Inform 2023; 177:105165. [PMID: 37531718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents' play a proactive role in seeking health information to ensure optimal growth and development for their children. To date, very little is known about the differences between information seeking behaviour for child health and engagement with resources between culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and non-CALD parents. OBJECTIVE To investigate the differences in resources used and trusted for information related to child health behaviours and engagement with online features among CALD and non-CALD respondents in Australia. METHODS An analysis of a theory informed online cross-sectional survey was conducted using data from 122 CALD and 399 non-CALD parents who had a child younger than 24 months or were currently pregnant in Australia. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared were used to compare the differences, and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with using health resources. RESULTS The most trusted sources for information reported by respondents were health professionals (76.2 %), websites run by health professionals (59.5 %), and government websites (53.2 %). Social media was significantly more trusted as a source of information for child health behaviours among CALD respondents than non-CALD respondents (odds ratio (OR) 1.92, P = 0.01). In contrast, booklets/ pamphlets and friends were significantly more trusted by non-CALD parents than for CALD parents (OR 0.54, P = 0.02). General search engines were used very frequently among CALD respondents for child health information (39.3 % vs 24.1 %, p = 0.013). Overall, the most common features respondents enjoyed on websites were images (81 %), videos (40.1 %), and discussion forums (39.9 %). CALD respondents significantly favoured videos (p = 0.003) while non-CALD respondents preferred obtaining information through attachments (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite parents' reporting health professionals, websites run by health professionals, and government websites as trustworthy, general search engines and social media were still the most frequently used information source for parents with young children. Credible resources parents deem as trustworthy should take into account effective and engaging means of disseminating information that are accessible to both CALD and non-CALD communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Jawad
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Australia; Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Australia.
| | - Sarah Taki
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Australia; Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Australia; Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Louise Baur
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Australia; Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris Rissel
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Rural and Remote Health SA and NT, Darwin, Australia
| | - Seema Mihrshahi
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Li Ming Wen
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Australia; Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Australia; Sydney Institute for Women, Children and their Families, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Camperdown, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Onishi R, Tone H, Kubota M, Chino N, Maruyama F. Associating Parental Efficacy with the Utility of Smart Devices: A Cross-Sectional Study of Their Role in Alleviating Maternal Parenting Concerns among Infants Aged 6-11 Months. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1437. [PMID: 37761398 PMCID: PMC10528665 DOI: 10.3390/children10091437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
In digital societies, the use of smart devices to solve childcare problems has become commonplace. Mothers are influenced both positively and negatively by smart devices used to resolve childcare concerns. Focusing on parental self-efficacy, this study identified the factors associated with relief and anxiety caused by the use of smart devices to eliminate parenting concerns among mothers with infants. A random sampling cross-sectional survey was administered to 257 Japanese mothers with infants aged 6-11 months. Structural equation modeling was used to explain the relief and anxiety caused by their use of smart devices in terms of maternal demographics, parental self-efficacy, smart-device dependence, and confidence in their ability to discriminate information. Mothers with high parental self-efficacy experienced increased relief and reduced anxiety by using smart devices to address concerns about child-rearing practices. Mothers who were highly dependent on smart devices felt more secure with their use of smart devices. Homemakers and highly educated mothers who used smart devices because of concerns regarding child health and development experienced more anxiety. Parenting professionals need to recognize the effectiveness of smart devices as a tool to relieve anxiety in parenting and provide additional support for parents to improve their parenting self-efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryuta Onishi
- Faculty of Nursing, Toyama Prefectural University, 2-2-78, Nishinagae, Toyama-shi 930-0975, Toyama-ken, Japan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo-shi 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hanami Tone
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo-shi 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Minori Kubota
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo-shi 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Nana Chino
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo-shi 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Funa Maruyama
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo-shi 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tang G, Izumi K, Izumisawa M, Koyama S. Japanese Consumers' Attitudes towards Obtaining and Sharing Health Information Regarding Over-the-Counter Medication: Designing an Over-the-Counter Electronic Health Record. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081166. [PMID: 37108000 PMCID: PMC10138617 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Designing an over-the-counter medication electronic health record (OTC-EHR) may help improve OTC usage. An online survey for the conceptual OTC-EHR design examined participant characteristics, attitudes towards obtaining user-shared OTC medication information, health-related application usage, and the inclination to share anonymized health information. Descriptive statistics, tests to assess statistical significance, and text mining were used to analyze the results. The findings revealed that Japanese consumers, particularly those with high eHealth literacy and women, possess relatively positive attitudes towards obtaining user-shared OTC medication information than those with low eHealth literacy (t (280.71) = -4.11, p < 0.001) and men (t (262.26) = -2.78, p = 0.006), respectively. Most consumers own smartphones but do not use health-related applications. A minority held positive attitudes about sharing anonymized health information. The perceived helpfulness of OTC-EHR was positively associated with the usage of health-related applications (χ2 (4) = 18.35, p = 0.001) and attitude towards sharing anonymized health information (χ2 (3) = 19.78, p < 0.001). The study findings contribute towards OTC-EHR's design to enhance consumers' self-medication and reduce risks, while the psychological barriers to sharing anonymized health information should be improved by increasing the OTC-EHR's penetration rate and engaging in appropriate information design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guyue Tang
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Kairi Izumi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | | | - Shinichi Koyama
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
- Faculty of Art and Design, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lazarevic N, Pizzuti C, Rosic G, Bœhm C, Williams K, Caillaud C. A mixed-methods study exploring women's perceptions and recommendations for a pregnancy app with monitoring tools. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:50. [PMID: 36964179 PMCID: PMC10036977 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00792-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital health tools such as apps are being increasingly used by women to access pregnancy-related information. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigated: (i) pregnant women's current usage of digital health tools to self-monitor and (ii) their interest in theoretical pregnancy app features (a direct patient-to-healthcare-professional communication tool and a body measurement tool). Using a mixed methods approach, 108 pregnant women were surveyed and 15 currently or recently pregnant women were interviewed online. We found that pregnant women used digital health tools to mainly access pregnancy related information and less so to self-monitor. Most participants were interested and enthusiastic about a patient-to-healthcare-professional communication tool. About half of the survey participants (49%) felt comfortable using a body measurement tool to monitor their body parts and 80% of interview participants were interested in using the body measurement to track leg/ankle swelling. Participants also shared additional pregnancy app features that they thought would be beneficial such as a "Digital Wallet" and a desire for a holistic pregnancy app that allowed for more continuous and personalised care. This study highlights the gaps and needs of pregnant women and should inform all stakeholders designing pregnancy digital healthcare. This study offers a unique insight into the needs of pregnant women during a very particular and unique period in human history.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Lazarevic
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Carol Pizzuti
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gillian Rosic
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Nepean Blue Mountains Family Metabolic Health Service, Department of Endocrinology, Nepean Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Céline Bœhm
- School of Physics, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathryn Williams
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Nepean Blue Mountains Family Metabolic Health Service, Department of Endocrinology, Nepean Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Corinne Caillaud
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nodi SS, Paul M, Robinson N, Wang L, Rehman SU. Determination of Munsell Soil Colour Using Smartphones. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3181. [PMID: 36991891 PMCID: PMC10058488 DOI: 10.3390/s23063181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Soil colour is one of the most important factors in agriculture for monitoring soil health and determining its properties. For this purpose, Munsell soil colour charts are widely used by archaeologists, scientists, and farmers. The process of determining soil colour from the chart is subjective and error-prone. In this study, we used popular smartphones to capture soil colours from images in the Munsell Soil Colour Book (MSCB) to determine the colour digitally. These captured soil colours are then compared with the true colour determined using a commonly used sensor (Nix Pro-2). We have observed that there are colour reading discrepancies between smartphone and Nix Pro-provided readings. To address this issue, we investigated different colour models and finally introduced a colour-intensity relationship between the images captured by Nix Pro and smartphones by exploring different distance functions. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the Munsell soil colour accurately from the MSCB by adjusting the pixel intensity of the smartphone-captured images. Without any adjustment when the accuracy of individual Munsell soil colour determination is only 9% for the top 5 predictions, the accuracy of the proposed method is 74%, which is significant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Sabrin Nodi
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
| | - Manoranjan Paul
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
| | - Nathan Robinson
- Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation, Federation University, Mount Helen, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Liang Wang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Sabih ur Rehman
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yu H, He J, Li K, Qi W, Lin J, Szumilewicz A. Quality assessment of pre- and postnatal nutrition and exercise mobile applications in the United States and China. Front Nutr 2023; 9:942331. [PMID: 36698473 PMCID: PMC9868741 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.942331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile applications (apps) are becoming increasingly prevalent as tools for improving maternal health behaviors. However, the recently updated content and quality of these apps remain unknown. This research investigated the fundamental characteristics, functional modules, and overall quality of maternal apps available in the United States and China to reveal critical nutrition and physical activity gaps. Methods A systematic search was performed in Android and iOS app stores (China and the United States). Apps were eligible if they targeted pregnant or postpartum women, focused on nutrition or physical activity, and had interfaces in English or Chinese. The basic characteristics, functional modules, and overall quality of the apps were evaluated, and differences between apps available in China or the United States were determined using analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Pearson correlations were utilized to investigate links between objective quality and user rating. Results A total of 65 maternity-related nutrition and physical activity apps (34 from China and 31 from the United States) were eligible. Among them, 68% (21/31) of US apps and 56% (19/34) of Chinese apps did not provide supporting evidence for their content. A greater number of Chinese apps provided app-based general education modules, namely food nutrition knowledge (n = 0, 0% in the United States vs. n = 30, 88.2% in China). Meanwhile, a greater number of US apps provided exercise modules, namely pregnancy yoga (n = 21, 67.7% in the United States vs. n = 2, 5.9% in China). The overall app quality rating in the United States was lower than it was in China (mean: 3.5, SD: 0.6 in China vs. mean: 3.4, SD: 0.7 in the United States). There was no relationship between the overall app quality rating and the user rating in either country (rho = 0.11 in China and rho = -0.13 in the United States). Conclusion The characteristics and functional modules of in-store apps for maternal nutrition and physical activity differed between the United States and China. Both countries' apps, especially Chinese apps, lacked evidence-based information, and there was no correlation between app quality and user rating. The results therefore suggest that user ratings cannot be used as an objective indicator of app quality and that it is necessary to improve the empirical basis and credibility of apps in both countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Yu
- Department of Sport, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland,Jiuling Primary School, Mianyang, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Hongli Yu,
| | - Juan He
- Department of Sport, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Keqiang Li
- Department of Sport, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wen Qi
- Department of Sport, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jiahui Lin
- Football Academy, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Anna Szumilewicz
- Department of Sport, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lazarevic N, Lecoq M, Bœhm C, Caillaud C. Pregnancy Apps for Self-Monitoring: Scoping Review of the Most Popular Global Apps Available in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1012. [PMID: 36673768 PMCID: PMC9858738 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Digital health tools, such as apps, have the potential to promote healthy behaviours, especially self-monitoring, which can facilitate pregnancy management and reduce the risk of associated pregnancy health conditions. While pregnancy apps are popular amongst pregnant women, there is limited information about the overall quality of their content or self-monitoring tools and the number of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) that they include. The aim of this study was thus to assess the quality of pregnancy apps for self-monitoring, and their usage of BCTs. We identified pregnancy apps by web scraping the most popular global apps for self-monitoring in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store available in Australia. The app quality was evaluated using the scorecard approach and the inclusion of BCTs was evaluated using the ABACUS tool. We identified 31 pregnancy apps that met our eligibility criteria. We found that pregnancy apps tended to score the highest in the domains of 'cost and time', 'usability', and 'technical', and lowest on 'clinical' and 'end-user requirements'. Additionally, the majority of apps contained minimal BCTs. Based on our findings, we propose a digital health scorecard visualisation that would break down app quality criteria and present them in a more accessible way to clinicians and pregnant users. We conclude that these findings highlight the shortcomings of available commercial pregnancy apps and the utility of a digital health scorecard visualisation that would empower users to make more informed decisions about which apps are the most appropriate for their needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Lazarevic
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Marie Lecoq
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- AgroParisTech, Universite Paris-Saclay, CEDEX, 91 123 Palaiseau, France
| | - Céline Bœhm
- School of Physics, Faculty of Science, Physics Building, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Corinne Caillaud
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Franco P, Olhaberry M, Kelders S, Muzard A. A Chilean survey of perinatal women and health care professionals' views towards perinatal apps. Mhealth 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36760788 PMCID: PMC9902237 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-22-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women around the globe are increasingly engaging with pregnancy and parenting apps, almost becoming a routine part of the maternity experience. However, little is known about what perinatal women and health care professionals feel about those apps in Latin American countries, where the digital transformation has been slower but where digital technologies could also bridge gaps in access to quality health care. METHODS This study aimed to assess views towards pregnancy and parenting apps in perinatal women and perinatal health care professionals in Chile through an online survey. In perinatal women, we explored app use, what they value in the apps they use, and what an "ideal app" would be for them. In health professionals, we explored opinions about women using perinatal apps and what they think a perfect app for their clients would be. RESULTS The survey was completed by 451 perinatal women and 54 perinatal health care professionals. Results show that perinatal women in Chile frequently use perinatal apps, and they and health care professionals show a positive attitude towards them. The most valued attributes are information and monitoring of body changes during pregnancy, information and monitoring of the baby's development (in the uterus and after birth), information and tips on how to stay healthy, and having the possibility to interact with other women. CONCLUSIONS Perinatal apps are accepted by perinatal women and health care professionals in Chile. Some needs for an "ideal app" emerged. Participants mentioned the need to address mental health, including the mental health of their partner, and the need for support during the transition to parenthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Franco
- Doctoral Program in Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Social Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Research in Depression and Personality (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcia Olhaberry
- Millennium Institute for Research in Depression and Personality (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
- School of Psychology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Saskia Kelders
- Centre for eHealth & Wellbeing Research, Psychology, Health & Technology, Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus (VTC), Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Antonia Muzard
- Doctoral Program in Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Social Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Research in Depression and Personality (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
- School of Psychology, Finis Terrae University, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kodama T, Takaki S. Association Between Smartphone Applications for Pregnant Women and Psychological Distress in Japan. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2023; 61:32-38. [PMID: 35858202 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20220705-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The current study investigated pregnant women's use of pregnancy applications (apps) and how these apps affect their mental health. A questionnaire was administered in the outpatient obstetrics and gynecology department at a university hospital. Of 110 pregnant women included in the analysis, 97 had downloaded and used pregnancy apps and believed that these were either helpful or a little helpful. Among the 110 respondents, 20 (18.2%) women were identified as having psychological distress. Thus, the percentage of women with psychological distress who downloaded pregnancy apps was significantly lower than women in the mentally healthy group. Non-use of pregnancy apps was strongly associated with psychological distress, indicating that pregnancy apps improve pregnant women's mental health. Alternatively, non-use of apps could arise from deteriorated mental health, causing reduced energy or inclination to use these apps. Screening for good mental health among pregnant women is important; non-use of pregnancy apps may indicate risk of mental health deterioration among pregnant women. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(1), 32-38.].
Collapse
|
20
|
Ortega-García JA, Sánchez-Sauco MF, Zafra-Rodríguez JA, Cabrera-Rivera LT, Díaz-Martínez F, Llegus-Santiago EM, Delgado-Marín JL, Orenes-Piñero E, Kloosterman N, Bach A, Ojeda-Sánchez C, Ramis R. Subjective well-being, happiness, and environmental health factors related to women planning a pregnancy or pregnant, using mobile health intervention. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231177146. [PMID: 37284011 PMCID: PMC10240876 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231177146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To compare the environmental health results in women trying to get pregnant or pregnant using a mobile health application (Green Page) through healthcare professionals or self-completed by women, and to explore the relationship between the subjective well-being of these women with their lifestyles and environmental factors. Methods A descriptive study with mixed methods was conducted in 2018. A mobile health survey was used in two phases. Phase 1 was a cross-sectional study through professionals (n = 1100) followed by phase 2, a convenience sampling through women's self-reporting (n = 3425). A personalized report was downloadable with health recommendations for the well-being of the mother and child. Results Of the 3205 participants (mean age = 33 years, SD = 0.2 years), 1840 were planning a pregnancy and 1365 were pregnant. One in five pregnant women had a low level of happiness. Globally, subjective well-being and happiness were found to be negatively associated with lack of contact with nature, sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, environmental exposure, and older age in pregnancy. Precisely 45%, 60%, and 14% of women were exposed to tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs, respectively. The women self-reported levels of risk factors higher than when the tool was used by or through professionals. Conclusions The use of mobile health interventions focused on environmental health during planning or pregnancy periods could help improve the quality of healthcare and foster greater involvement of women in their self-care process, thus promoting empowerment, healthier environments, and lifestyles. Ensuring equity of access and data protection are global challenges to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Ortega-García
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit (PEHSU), Department of Pediatrics, Clinical University Hospital Virgen of Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Miguel Felipe Sánchez-Sauco
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit (PEHSU), Department of Pediatrics, Clinical University Hospital Virgen of Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Alberto Zafra-Rodríguez
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- TICARUM, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Laura Teresa Cabrera-Rivera
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- International Exchange Program for Minority Student, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Francisco Díaz-Martínez
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit (PEHSU), Department of Pediatrics, Clinical University Hospital Virgen of Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Manuel Llegus-Santiago
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- International Exchange Program for Minority Student, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Juan Luis Delgado-Marín
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen Arrixaca, Fetal Medicine Unit Murcia, IMIB Arrixaca, Región de Murcia, Spain
| | - Esteban Orenes-Piñero
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Nicole Kloosterman
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- MUSC Health University Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Albert Bach
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH2 Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Solsona, Spain
| | - Carlos Ojeda-Sánchez
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hospital General Universitario de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Rebecca Ramis
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Alliance to Renaturalize Child and Adolescent Health (GreenRooting.org), Spanish Association of Pediatrics, IMIB Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Epidemiology Centre, Carlos III Health Institute and Centre for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública−CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Murray JB, Sharp A, Munro S, Janssen PA. Expectant parents’ preferences for teaching by texting: a development and usability study of SmartMom (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 7:e44661. [PMID: 37071451 PMCID: PMC10155084 DOI: 10.2196/44661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal education encourages healthy behavioral choices and reduces rates of adverse birth outcomes. The use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies during pregnancy is increasing and changing how pregnant people acquire prenatal education. SmartMom is an evidence-based prenatal education SMS text messaging program that overcomes barriers to prenatal class attendance, including rural or remote location, cost, stigma among participants, lack of instructors, and cessation of classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE We sought to explore perceived information needs and preferences for the content and structure of prenatal education mHealth programs among persons enrolled in or eligible to enroll in SmartMom. METHODS This was a qualitative focus group study conducted as part of a development and usability study of the SmartMom program. Participants were older than 19 years of age, Canadian residents, fluent in English, and either currently pregnant or pregnant within the last year. We asked open-ended questions about information-seeking behaviors during pregnancy, the nature of the information that participants were seeking, how they wanted to receive information, and if SmartMom was meeting these needs. Focus groups took place via videoconference technology (Zoom) between August and December 2020. We used reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes that emerged from the data and the constant comparison method to compare initial coding to emerging themes. RESULTS We conducted 6 semistructured focus groups with 16 participants. All participants reported living with a partner and owning a cell phone. The majority (n=13, 81%) used at least 1 app for prenatal education. Our analysis revealed that "having reliable information is the most important thing" (theme 1); pregnant people value inclusive, local, and strength-based information (theme 2); and SMS text messages are a simple, easy, and timely modality ("It was nice to have that [information] fed to you"; theme 3). Participants perceived that SmartMom SMS text messages met their needs for prenatal education and were more convenient than using apps. SmartMom's opt-in supplemental message streams, which allowed users to tailor the program to their needs, were viewed favorably. Participants also identified that prenatal education programs were not meeting the needs of diverse populations, such as Indigenous people and LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit plus) communities. CONCLUSIONS The shift toward digital prenatal education, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in a plethora of web- or mobile technology-based programs, but few of these have been evaluated. Participants in our focus groups revealed concerns about the reliability and comprehensiveness of digital resources for prenatal education. The SmartMom SMS text messaging program was viewed as being evidence-based, providing comprehensive content without searching, and permitting tailoring to individual needs through opt-in message streams. Prenatal education must also meet the needs of diverse populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B Murray
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander Sharp
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Munro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patricia A Janssen
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hood R, Zabatiero J, Silva D, R Zubrick S, Straker L. 'There's good and bad': parent perspectives on the influence of mobile touch screen device use on prenatal attachment. ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:1593-1608. [PMID: 35164662 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2041734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The potential for human-computer interaction to have a substantial impact on adults is well documented. However, its potential importance prior to birth has rarely been reported. Parental use of smartphones and tablet computers could influence the relationship between parent and baby during pregnancy (prenatal attachment) and thus child development. Twenty-seven families were interviewed to explore how parents used these devices during pregnancy, and how device use influenced parents' thoughts, feelings and behaviours towards their baby while in utero. All used devices for a variety of purposes, and all described good levels of prenatal attachment. Parents described both disrupted and enhanced connectedness as a result of device use, and increased parental stress. The findings highlight a new opportunity for how device design and use guidelines could support families to maximise benefits and reduce detriments of device use to optimise prenatal attachment, and thus future parent-child attachment and child development. Practitioner summary: Many parents regularly use smartphones and tablet computers while pregnant. This qualitative study found that how devices were used either enhanced or disrupted feelings of prenatal attachment. Practitioners should be aware of potential beneficial and detrimental impacts of device use during pregnancy given implications for future attachment and child development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Hood
- Curtin School of Allied Health and enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Juliana Zabatiero
- Curtin School of Allied Health and enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Desiree Silva
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Stephen R Zubrick
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Leon Straker
- Curtin School of Allied Health and enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gourounti K, Sarantaki A, Dafnou ME, Hadjigeorgiou E, Lykeridou A, Middleton N. A qualitative study of assessing learning needs and digital health literacy in pregnancy: Baby Buddy Forward Greek findings. Eur J Midwifery 2022; 6:55. [PMID: 36119404 PMCID: PMC9434499 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/150770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to explore the learning needs and the digital health literacy of pregnant women in Greece regarding perinatal health and care issues. METHODS This was a qualitative study involving thirteen Greek pregnant women, in two focus groups of primiparous and multiparous. The interview topic guide was developed by consensus during a training workshop of the European Baby Buddy Forward research program. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and inductively content analyzed. RESULTS Pregnant women described a range of learning needs and identify antenatal classes, health professionals, Internet, books, friends and relatives, as their main sources of information. Women expressed satisfaction in terms of their communication with midwives, but they expressed ambiguity regarding communication with doctors. With regard to the Internet, women highlighted their concern about the validity of information and point out the difficulties they face in order to access reliable scientific resources. Moreover, the process of seeking information online occurs in parallel and independently from healthcare providers, who discourage it, thus, many women were reluctant to discuss any information they retrieved from the Internet with health professionals. CONCLUSIONS The content of antenatal classes should be tailored to address pregnant women learning needs more holistically. However, taking into consideration that a major source of information for pregnant women is the Internet, it is vital for health professionals to acknowledge this reality and provide pregnant women with trusted websites. It is also particularly important for health professionals to practice their communication skills and update their digital knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kleanthi Gourounti
- Department of Midwifery, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Antigoni Sarantaki
- Department of Midwifery, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Dafnou
- Department of Midwifery, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Hadjigeorgiou
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Aikaterini Lykeridou
- Department of Midwifery, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicos Middleton
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rezaee R, Ravangard R, Amani F, Dehghani Tafti A, Shokrpour N, Bahrami MA. Healthy lifestyle during pregnancy: Uncovering the role of online health information seeking experience. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271989. [PMID: 35913949 PMCID: PMC9342740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the new era, many people seek their health-related information through the Internet due to the increasing access to this technology. Searching online health information can affect the health behavior. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between online health information-seeking behavior and a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy in a sample of Iranian pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women admitted to health centers of Eghlid city, Fars province, Iran in 2019. A total of 193 women participated in the study. The required data were gathered using two validated questionnaires to measure the online health information-seeking behavior and the healthy lifestyle practices of the participants. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS version 22. Online health information experience and its subscales showed no statistical correlation with a healthy lifestyle. Age and education did not correlate with online health information-seeking behavior. Age had a statistical correlation with a healthy lifestyle, but education had the same correlation only with some subscales of a healthy lifestyle. The findings were surprising, suggesting that online health information-seeking behavior does not affect the lifestyle of pregnant women. These finding and probable explanations are discussed, but due to the limited literature on the subject, further studies are recommended to be conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezaee
- Clinical Education Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Ramin Ravangard
- Healthcare Management Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Fahime Amani
- Healthcare Management Department, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Yazd, Iran
| | - Arefeh Dehghani Tafti
- Biostatistics Department, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nasrin Shokrpour
- English Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Bahrami
- Healthcare Management Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ngo E, Truong MBT, Wright D, Nordeng H. Impact of a Mobile Application for Tracking Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy (NVP) on NVP Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Decisional Conflict Regarding NVP Treatments: MinSafeStart Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e36226. [PMID: 35787487 PMCID: PMC9297140 DOI: 10.2196/36226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Pregnant women are active users of mobile apps for health purposes. These apps may improve self-management of health-related conditions. Up to 70% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting (NVP). Even mild NVP can significantly reduce quality of life (QoL), and it can become an economic burden for both the woman and society. NVP often occurs before the first maternal care visit; therefore, apps can potentially play an important role in empowering pregnant women to recognize, manage, and seek appropriate treatment for NVP, when required.
Objective
This study investigated whether the MinSafeStart (MSS) mobile app could impact NVP-related symptoms, QoL, and decisional conflict regarding NVP treatment.
Methods
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 268 pregnant women with NVP in Norway from 2019 to 2020. The intervention group had access to the MSS app, which could be used to track NVP symptoms and access tailored advice. NVP severity was rated with the Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score. The control group followed standard maternal care. We collected data on maternal baseline characteristics, NVP severity, QoL, and decisional conflict using 2 sets of online questionnaires. One set of questionnaires was completed at enrollment, and the other was completed after 2 weeks. We performed linear regression analyses to explore whether the use of the MSS app was associated with NVP severity, QoL, or decisional conflict.
Results
Among the 268 women enrolled in the study, 192 (86.5%) completed the baseline questionnaires and were randomized to either the intervention (n=89) or control group (n=103). In the intervention group, 88 women downloaded the app, and 468 logs were recorded. In both groups, women were enrolled at a median of 8 gestational weeks. At baseline, the average PUQE scores were 4.9 and 4.7; the average QoL scores were 146 and 149; and the average DCS scores were 40 and 43 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The app had no impact on NVP severity (aβ 0.6, 95% Cl −0.1 to 1.2), QoL (aβ −5.3, 95% Cl −12.5 to 1.9), or decisional conflict regarding NVP treatment (aβ −1.1, 95% Cl −6.2 to 4.2), compared with standard care.
Conclusions
Tracking NVP symptoms with the MSS app was not associated with improvements in NVP symptoms, QoL, or decisional conflict after 2 weeks, compared with standard care. Future studies should include a process evaluation to improve our understanding of how pregnant women use the app and how to optimize its utility within maternity care. Specifically, studies should focus on how digital tools might facilitate counseling and communication between pregnant women and health care providers regarding NVP management during pregnancy.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrails.gov (NCT04719286): https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04719286
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elin Ngo
- PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Bich-Thuy Truong
- PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - David Wright
- School of Allied Health Professions, University of Leicester, England, United Kingdom
- Centre for Pharmacy, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hedvig Nordeng
- PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Child Health and Development, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Huang X, Sun W, Wang R, Wu H, Yu S, Fang X, Liu Y, Akinwunmi B, Huang J, Ming WK. Present Situation and the Future Development of Web-Based Prenatal Education in China: Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e28637. [PMID: 35771613 PMCID: PMC9284362 DOI: 10.2196/28637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy serves as an important chapter in the life of women since more attention needs to be paid to both their physical and psychological health during this period. Adequate prenatal knowledge plays a key role in ensuring the health and safety of not only the pregnant women but also their fetuses and the entire family. With the development of information technology, web-based prenatal education has been brought into focus owing to its accessibility to comprehensive information, with high-quality information available to improve the quality of the overall gestation period, labor process, perinatal outcomes, and fetal outcomes. Objective This study aims to investigate the present situation of web-based prenatal education and to predict the future research direction of web-based prenatal education in China, thereby providing insights into improving the quality of health care of pregnant women. Methods A national cross-sectional study was conducted on 590,912 pregnant women in 31 provincial administrations of mainland China between August 2018 and August 2019. These pregnant women were initially recruited from local hospitals across the nation during antenatal and postnatal periods via a web-based education school. Demographic information and course completion status (including the categories and the number of courses they completed) of all the participants were collected. Results A total of 590,912 pregnant women participated in the web-based prenatal education in 2018. Among them, 188,508 (31.90%) participants were excluded because they did not complete any course, while 17,807 (3.01%) actively participated in web-based prenatal education and completed more than 100 courses. There were 5 categories of web-based courses; almost half of the pregnant women attended the courses on first and second trimesters (293,262/590,912, 49.63% and 298,168/590,912, 50.46%, respectively). We found that pregnant women were more concerned about the gestational diet, fetal-related knowledge, and other precautions before the labor. Conclusions In the era of digitalization where information is rapidly disseminated, web-based prenatal education could become a more convenient, productive, and effective pathway for pregnant women since it could help them obtain adequate and optimal pregnancy-related information and gain more intellectual awareness about their pregnancy or preparation for pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Huang
- International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Renyu Wang
- School of English for International Business, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangdong, China
| | - Huailiang Wu
- International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shinning Yu
- International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanbi Fang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiyan Liu
- Faculty of Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Babatunde Akinwunmi
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jian Huang
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wai-Kit Ming
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chen XW, Jiang LY, Chen Y, Guo LF, Zhu XH. Analysis of online antenatal education class use via a mobile terminal app during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:412. [PMID: 35578202 PMCID: PMC9109660 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04745-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the use of online antenatal education classes accessed via the Mother and Child Health Handbook app during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide a basis and suggestions for optimizing Internet education during pregnancy under public health emergencies. METHODS We compared and analyzed the use of online antenatal education classes via the Mother and Child Health Handbook app in Hangzhou in 2019 and 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). RESULTS Between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, a total of 229,794 pregnant women created files and registered for the app, including 124,273 women in 2019 and 105,521 women in 2020. More pregnant women participated in online antenatal education learning (n = 36,379/34.5% vs. 29,226/23.5%, p = 0.000) in 2020 than in 2019. The proportion of pregnant women in the 18-34-year-old group who participated in online learning was higher than that in the advanced age group, and the difference was statistically significant (2019: 24.3% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.000) (2020: 35.7% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.000). More pregnant women accessed online antenatal education during early pregnancy (n = 13,463/37.0% vs. 9088/31.1%, p = 0.000) in 2020 than in 2019. Similar percentages of pregnant women participated in online antenatal education during mid-pregnancy (n = 15,426/52.8% vs. 19,269/53.0%, p = 0.639) in 2019 and 2020. Fewer pregnant women accessed online antenatal education during late pregnancy (n = 10,246/28.2% vs. 9476/32.4%, p = 0.000) in 2020 than in 2019. Fewer pregnant women choose to take 'Puerperal Health' courses in 2020 than in 2019 (early pregnancy: 36.20% vs. 42.79%, p = 0.000; mid-pregnancy: 41.65% vs. 48.19%, p = 0.000; late pregnancy: 55.31% vs. 58.41%, p = 0.000). Fewer pregnant women choose to take 'Psychological Adjustment' courses in 2020 than in 2019 (early pregnancy: 21.59% vs. 29.60%, p = 0.000; mid-pregnancy: 26.20% vs. 40.50%, p = 0.000; late pregnancy: 12.79% vs. 42.53%, p = 0.000). More pregnant women choose to study 'Nutrition and Exercise' in 2020 than in 2019 (early pregnancy: 44.48% vs. 25.95%, p = 0.000; mid-pregnancy: 47.77% vs. 40.75%, p = 0.000; late pregnancy: 55.94% vs. 42.99%, p = 0.000). "Pregnancy Care and Fetal Development" was the most selected course by pregnant women in early pregnancy (2019: 67.50%; 2020: 71.39%) and middle pregnancy (2019: 67.01%; 2020: 82.05%), and the proportion in 2020 was higher than it was in 2019. "Baby care" was the most selected course by pregnant women in late pregnancy, and the proportion in 2020 was higher than it was in 2019 (78.31% vs. 72.85%). CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, online antenatal education was well-used by pregnant women. More women participated in the online antenatal education modules during the COVID-19 pandemic than during 2019.The proportion of choosing different courses for pregnant women before and after the COVID-19 epidemic varied, and the learning course needs of pregnant women in different trimesters were different.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), No. 369, Kun Peng Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li-Yuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), No. 369, Kun Peng Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), No. 369, Kun Peng Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li-Fang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), No. 369, Kun Peng Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu-Hong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), No. 369, Kun Peng Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Postel-Vinay N, Shao JD, Pinton A, Servais A, Gebara N, Amar L. Home Blood Pressure Measurement and Self-Interpretation of Blood Pressure Readings During Pregnancy: Hy-Result e-Health Prospective Study. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2022; 18:277-287. [PMID: 35449534 PMCID: PMC9017708 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s350478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hy-Result is a rule management system designed to help patients to be compliant with the home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) monitoring schedule and to understand their BP readings. The aim of the Hy-Result e-Health prospective study is to evaluate the practice and experience of women using the Hy-Result coaching app for self-interpretation of BP readings during and after pregnancy. Methods Participants were asked to: i) measure their BP at home; ii) use the Hy-Result app and send their PDF report to the researcher; iii) answer anonymously to 3 online independent questionnaires (Q). Results A total of 107 women accepted to measure their BP and use the app. Among them 82 (77%) performed HBPM and used successfully the system and 72 (88%) shared to the investigator their PDF report by email. Of these, 95% declared the software was “easy” or “very easy” to use; 93% believe the software helps them to monitor their BP more effectively (74% agree, 18% somewhat agree); 94% that the color code classification was “clear”; 76 (93%) affirmed that the app helped them when consulting their physician for their BP evaluation. Majority (87%) perceived the software to be reliable. Furthermore, 71 (87%) said they trust the system and 51 (62%) declared that performing HBPM and self-interpret their readings was “reassuring” whereas 6 (7%) felt that it was “a concern”. Conclusion This study shows that the majority (88%) of pregnant women performed HBPM and successfully used the Hy-Result software for self-interpretation of the BP readings. The use of the validated Hy-Result system by pregnant women may thus be recommended in common practice by healthcare professionals and patient associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Postel-Vinay
- Hypertension Unit, ESH Excellence Center, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
- Hospital at Home, Fondation Santé Service, Levallois, France
- Correspondence: Nicolas Postel-Vinay, Email
| | - Jiali-Delphine Shao
- Faculté de médecine de l’Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Anne Pinton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Trousseau Hospital, APHP, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Aude Servais
- Nephrology and Transplantation Department, Necker Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Nicole Gebara
- Hypertension Unit, ESH Excellence Center, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Amar
- Hypertension Unit, ESH Excellence Center, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lanssens D, Thijs IM, Dreesen P, Van Hecke A, Coorevits P, Gaethofs G, Derycke J, Tency I. INFORMATION RESOURCES AMONG FLEMISH PREGNANT WOMEN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e37866. [PMID: 36222794 PMCID: PMC9597425 DOI: 10.2196/37866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been an exponential growth in the availability of apps, resulting in increased use of pregnancy apps. However, information on resources and use of apps among pregnant women is relatively limited. Objective The aim of this study is to map the current information resources and the use of pregnancy apps among pregnant women in Flanders. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a semistructured survey (April-June 2019) consisting of four different domains: (1) demographics; (2) use of devices; (3) sources of information; and (4) use of pregnancy apps. Women were recruited by social media, flyers, and paper questionnaires at prenatal consultations. Statistical analysis was mainly focused on descriptive statistics. Differences in continuous and categorical variables were tested using independent Student t tests and chi-square tests. Correlations were investigated between maternal characteristics and the women’s responses. Results In total, 311 women completed the entire questionnaire. Obstetricians were the primary source of information (268/311, 86.2%) for pregnant women, followed by websites/internet (267/311, 85.9%) and apps (233/311, 74.9%). The information that was most searched for was information about the development of the baby (275/311, 88.5%), discomfort/complaints (251/311, 80.7%) and health during pregnancy (248/311, 79.7%), administrative/practical issues (233/311, 74.9%), and breastfeeding (176/311, 56.6%). About half of the women (172/311, 55.3%) downloaded a pregnancy app, and primarily searched app stores (133/311, 43.0%). Pregnant women who are single asked their mothers (22/30, 73.3%) or other family members (13/30, 43.3%) for significantly more information than did married women (mother [in law]: 82/160, 51.3%, P=.02; family members: 35/160, 21.9%, P=.01). Pregnant women with lower education were significantly more likely to have a PC or laptop than those with higher education (72/73, 98.6% vs 203/237, 85.5%; P=.008), and to consult other family members for pregnancy information (30/73, 41.1% vs 55/237, 23.1%; P<.001), but were less likely to consult a gynecologist (70/73, 95.9% vs 198/237, 83.5%; P=.001). They also followed more prenatal sessions (59/73, 80.8% vs 77/237, 32.5%; P=.04) and were more likely to search for information regarding discomfort/complaints during pregnancy (65/73, 89% vs 188/237, 79.5%; P=.02). Compared to multigravida, primigravida were more likely to solicit advice about their pregnancy from other women in their social networks (family members: primigravida 44/109, 40.4% vs multigravida 40/199, 20.1%; P<.001; other pregnant women: primigravida 58/109, 53.2% vs multigravida 80/199, 40.2%; P<.03). Conclusions Health care professionals need to be aware that apps are important and are a growing source of information for pregnant women. Concerns rise about the quality and safety of those apps, as only a limited number of apps are subjected to an external quality check. Therefore, it is important that health care providers refer to high-quality digital resources and take the opportunity to discuss digital information with pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Lanssens
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Limburg Clinical Research Center, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Inge M Thijs
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Limburg Clinical Research Center, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
- Obstetric Department and Future Health, Limburg Clinical Research Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Pauline Dreesen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Limburg Clinical Research Center, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
- Obstetric Department and Future Health, Limburg Clinical Research Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Hecke
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
- Nursing Department, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - Pascal Coorevits
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Gitte Gaethofs
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Limburg Clinical Research Center, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
- Obstetric Department and Future Health, Limburg Clinical Research Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Joyce Derycke
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Inge Tency
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Midwifery, Odisee University of Applied Sciences, Sint Niklaas, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Caballero-Galilea M, Martínez-Miguel E, Fernández Gonzalo JC, Saiz de la Cuesta Abbad R, Rubio Alonso M. Digitized Prenatal Newsletter: Impact on Obstetric Patient Satisfaction and Loyalty. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052773. [PMID: 35270467 PMCID: PMC8910286 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The high demand for health information from pregnant women has encouraged the creation of an informative program through a weekly digital newsletter. The objective of this study is to evaluate its quality as a digital communication medium, in terms of satisfaction and loyalty to the pregnancy follow-up and delivery service. A cross-sectional, prospective study was carried out, surveying 179 patients by means of an online self-referral questionnaire including variables related to humanization, information needs, perceived accompaniment and satisfaction, as well as factors related to its influence on their decision to remain loyal to the center. A total of 81.2% of the participants showed high levels of satisfaction with the program. Satisfaction among nulliparous patients was significantly lower in several aspects. The resolution of doubts and the perception of peace of mind following the information received was positive for 54.8%. Of the patients in the program, 88.8% finally remained at the center, showing a strong influence of the program on their decision (mean value 75 on 1 to 100 scale). A weekly digital newsletter with specific information reduced the demand for information from pregnant women, generating high levels of satisfaction and positively influencing the decision to remain loyal to the Center.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Caballero-Galilea
- Department of Nursing and Nutrition, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.-G.); (J.C.F.G.)
| | - Esther Martínez-Miguel
- Department of Nursing and Nutrition, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.-G.); (J.C.F.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Juan Carlos Fernández Gonzalo
- Department of Nursing and Nutrition, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.-G.); (J.C.F.G.)
| | - Ricardo Saiz de la Cuesta Abbad
- Departament of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Margarita Rubio Alonso
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sakamoto JL, Carandang RR, Kharel M, Shibanuma A, Yarotskaya E, Basargina M, Jimba M. Effects of mHealth on the psychosocial health of pregnant women and mothers: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056807. [PMID: 35168981 PMCID: PMC8852716 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the roles of mobile health, or mHealth, in the psychosocial health of pregnant women and mothers. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in databases and grey literature including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Academic Search Complete, SocINDEX, Central Register of Controlled Trials, The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Health Technology Assessment, UNICEF and WHO databases. Two searches were conducted to include original research articles published in English until 15 November 2021. Several tools were used to assess the risk of bias: revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials, Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool for cohort and cross-sectional studies, Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for qualitative studies and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for mixed-methods studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Due to the high heterogeneity and variability of the included studies, data synthesis was conducted narratively. RESULTS 44 studies were included among 11 999 identified articles. Most studies reported mixed findings on the roles of mHealth interventions in the psychosocial health of pregnant women and mothers; mHealth improved self-management, acceptance of pregnancy/motherhood and social support, while mixed results were observed for anxiety and depressive symptoms, perceived stress, mental well-being, coping and self-efficacy. Furthermore, pregnant women and mothers from vulnerable populations benefited from the use of mHealth to improve their psychosocial health. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that mHealth has the potential to improve self-management, acceptance of pregnancy/motherhood and social support. mHealth can also be a useful tool to reach vulnerable pregnant women and mothers with barriers to health information and facilitate access to healthcare services. However, the high heterogeneity limited the certainty of evidence of these findings. Therefore, future studies should identify the context under which mHealth could be more effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lisa Sakamoto
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rogie Royce Carandang
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Madhu Kharel
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Shibanuma
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ekaterina Yarotskaya
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I.Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Milana Basargina
- Department of Neonatal Pathology, National Medical Research Center for Children's Health, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Adesina N, Dogan H, Green S, Tsofliou F. Effectiveness and Usability of Digital Tools to Support Dietary Self-Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2021; 14:10. [PMID: 35010884 PMCID: PMC8746603 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Advice on dietary intake is an essential first line intervention for the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Digital tools such as web-based and smartphone apps have been suggested to provide a novel way of providing information on diet for optimal glucose regulation in women with GDM. This systematic review explores the effectiveness and usability of digital tools designed to support dietary self-management of GDM. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, and Scopus using key search terms identified 1476 papers reporting research studies, of which 16 met the specified inclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the ErasmusAGE Quality Score or the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018. The findings show that the adoption of digital tools may be an effective approach to support self-management relating to healthy diet, health behaviour, and adherence to therapy in women with GDM as a usable intervention. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning the effectiveness of tools to support the dietary management of GDM. Consideration for ethnic specific dietary advice and evidence-based frameworks in the development of effective digital tools for dietary management of GDM should be considered as these aspects have been limited in the studies reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurudeen Adesina
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth BH8 8GP, UK;
- Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth BH8 8GP, UK
| | - Huseyin Dogan
- Department of Computing and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK;
| | - Sue Green
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth BH8 8GP, UK;
| | - Fotini Tsofliou
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth BH8 8GP, UK;
- Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth BH8 8GP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nwolise CH, Carey N, Shawe J. Preconception and Diabetes Information (PADI) App for Women with Pregestational Diabetes: a Feasibility and Acceptability Study. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS RESEARCH 2021; 5:446-473. [PMID: 35415455 PMCID: PMC8982818 DOI: 10.1007/s41666-021-00104-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Preconception care is vital to minimise complications; however, preconception care service provision is hindered by inadequate knowledge, resources and care fragmentation. Mobile health technology, particularly smartphone apps, could improve preconception care and pregnancy outcomes for women with diabetes. The aim of this study is to co-create a preconception and diabetes information app with healthcare professionals and women with diabetes and explore the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of the app. A mixed-methods study design employing questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was used to assess preliminary outcome estimates (preconception care knowledge, attitudes and behaviours), and user acceptability. Data analysis included thematic analysis, descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Improvements were recorded in knowledge and attitudes to preconception care and patient activation measure following the 3-month app usage. Participants found the app acceptable (satisfaction rating was 72%), useful and informative. The app's usability and usefulness facilitated usage while manual data input and competing priorities were barriers which participants felt could be overcome via personalisation, automation and use of daily reminders. This is the first study to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a preconception and diabetes information app for women with diabetes. Triangulated data suggest that the app has potential to improve preconception care knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. However, in order for women with DM to realise the full potential of the app intervention, particularly improved maternal and fetal outcomes, further development and evaluation is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chidiebere H Nwolise
- Health Services Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, L1/16 Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF UK
| | - Nicola Carey
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Jill Shawe
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Muñoz-Mancisidor A, Martin-Payo R, Gonzalez-Mendez X, Fernández-Álvarez MDM. Content, Behavior Change Techniques, and Quality of Pregnancy Apps in Spain: Systematic Search on App Stores. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e27995. [PMID: 34787587 PMCID: PMC8663580 DOI: 10.2196/27995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Women consult information in mobile apps (apps) during pregnancy, and even obstetrics specialists highlight that pregnancy is the ideal moment for the use of apps as consultation sources. However, the high number of apps designed for pregnancy requires a careful assessment to determine their suitability before recommendation. Objective The aim of this study is to identify the apps available in Spanish that can be recommended based on their content, behavior change techniques (BCTs), and quality as a complementary tool during pregnancy. Methods A systematic search on app stores to identify apps was performed in the Apple App Store and Google Play with the subject term “pregnancy.” The apps meeting the following criteria were chosen: pregnancy-related content, free, and available in Spanish. An app was excluded if it was classified as a game or entertainment and thus lacking an educational or health aim and if it did not target the population under study. The selected apps were downloaded, and their quality was assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), with the BCTs included evaluated using the BCT taxonomy version 1 and its content. Results A total of 457 apps were identified, 25 of which were downloaded for assessment (5.6%). The median for objective and subjective quality was 2.94 (IQR 2.71-3.46) and 1.75 (IQR 1.25-2.25), respectively. Regarding content, the median of topics included in the apps was 23 (IQR 16-23), with weight gain, nutrition, fetal development, and physical activity being the most common. The median number of BCTs was 12 (IQR 0.5-3.5). The most frequently identified BCTs in the apps were “Self-Monitoring of Outcomes,” followed by “Goal Behavior” and “Instructions.” Statistically significant correlations were observed between objective quality and content (ρ=0.624; P=.001), subjective quality and content (ρ=0.638; P=.001), objective quality and BCTs (ρ=0.672; P<.001), subjective quality and BCTs (ρ=0.623; P<.001), and BCTs and content (ρ=0.580; P=.002). Conclusions The results of this study suggest that only a small percentage of free pregnancy apps available in Spanish should be recommended. The apps with the best MARS scores were those that addressed a higher number of topics and included a higher number of BCTs. Those with the best content and quality, and a higher number of BCTs included could be recommended by health professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruben Martin-Payo
- Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Grupo de Investigación de Promoción de la Salud-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Xana Gonzalez-Mendez
- Hospital Universitario San Agustin, Avilés, Spain.,Grupo de Investigación de Promoción de la Salud-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - María Del Mar Fernández-Álvarez
- Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Grupo de Investigación de Promoción de la Salud-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ruiz-Burga E, Bruijning-Verhagen P, Palmer P, Sandcroft A, Fernandes G, de Hoog M, Bryan L, Pierre R, Bailey H, Giaquinto C, Thorne C, Christie CDC. The ZIKApp for detection of potential arbovirus infections and pregnancy complications in pregnant women in Jamaica: a pilot study (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2021; 6:e34423. [PMID: 35896029 PMCID: PMC9377438 DOI: 10.2196/34423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ruiz-Burga
- Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Bruijning-Verhagen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Paulette Palmer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Annalisa Sandcroft
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Georgina Fernandes
- Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marieke de Hoog
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lenroy Bryan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Russell Pierre
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Heather Bailey
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Claire Thorne
- Population, Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Celia D C Christie
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Frid G, Bogaert K, Chen KT. Mobile Health Apps for Pregnant Women: Systematic Search, Evaluation, and Analysis of Features. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25667. [PMID: 34524100 PMCID: PMC8561408 DOI: 10.2196/25667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many pregnant women use the internet to obtain information about pregnancy and childbirth. Over 50% of pregnant women use pregnancy apps and must search through thousands of pregnancy or women’s health–related apps available on app stores. The COVID-19 pandemic is changing how women receive prenatal care. Mobile health apps may help maintain women’s satisfaction with their prenatal care. Objective Our objective is to identify pregnancy mobile apps and to evaluate the apps using a modified APPLICATIONS (app comprehensiveness, price, privacy, literature used, in-app purchases, connectivity, advertisements, text search field, images/videos, other special features, navigation ease, subjective presentation) scoring system. Methods A list of pregnancy apps was identified in the first 20 Google search results using the search term “pregnancy app.” After excluding irrelevant, inaccurate, malfunctioning, or no longer available apps, all unique apps were downloaded and evaluated with the modified APPLICATIONS scoring system, which includes both objective and subjective criteria and evaluation of special features. Results A list of 57 unique pregnancy apps was generated. After 28 apps were excluded, the remaining 29 apps were evaluated, with a mean score of 9.4 points out of a maximum of 16. The highest scoring app scored 15 points. Over 60% (18/29) of apps did not have comprehensive information for every stage of pregnancy or did not contain all four desired components of pregnancy apps: health promotion/patient education, communication, health tracking, and notifications and reminders. Only 24% (7/29) of apps included a text search field, and only 28% (8/29) of apps cited literature. Conclusions Our search yielded many high-scoring apps, but few contained all desired components and features. This list of identified and rated apps can lessen the burden on pregnant women and providers to find available apps on their own. Although health care providers should continue to vet apps before recommending them to patients, these findings also highlight that a Google search is a successful way for patients and providers to find useful and comprehensive pregnancy apps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Frid
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kelly Bogaert
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Katherine T Chen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Buchanan L, Anderson E, MBiostat HX, Phongsavan P, Rissel C, Wen LM. Sources of information and the use of mobile applications for health and parenting information during pregnancy: Implications for health promotion. Health Informatics J 2021; 27:14604582211043146. [PMID: 34569327 DOI: 10.1177/14604582211043146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to examine the characteristics of pregnant women who used and intended to use mobile applications (apps) for health and parenting information. We used data from a randomised controlled trial, Communicating Healthy Beginnings Advice by Telephone (CHAT), conducted in Australia. Telephone surveys were conducted in 2017 to collect information on women's demographic characteristics, sources of health and parenting information and willingness to use mobile apps. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the associations of women's socio-demographic backgrounds, their mobile apps usage and their willingness to use such apps. Data included 1155 pregnant women in their third trimester. Women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and with lower income appeared to have lower uptake of mobile apps despite high ownership of smart devices. Development of evidence-based and culturally-adapted mobile apps represent an important opportunity for healthcare providers to optimise maternal and birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Limin Buchanan
- Sydney Local Health District, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH), Australia
| | | | | | | | - Chris Rissel
- The University of Sydney, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH), Australia.,Flinders University, Australia
| | - Li Ming Wen
- Sydney Local Health District, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH), Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li Q, Xue W, Gong W, Quan X, Li Q, Xiao L, Xu DR, Caine ED, Poleshuck EL. Experiences and perceptions of perinatal depression among new immigrant Chinese parents: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:739. [PMID: 34311719 PMCID: PMC8311906 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06752-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immigrant status, acculturation level, race and ethnicity have been found to contribute to the utilization of mental health services in the perinatal period. This study explored perinatal experiences and perceptions among Chinese immigrant mothers and their spouses, as well as the possible barriers and facilitators that affect their health care utilization. METHODS We recruited 13 women ages 18-35 years born in mainland China, living in Rochester, New York, and residing less than 5 years in the United States. Participants primary language was Mandarin Chinese and all had given birth to at least one live infant within the past 7 years. Participants' age was at least 18 years old at the time of delivery. Five spouses also participated. We divided women in two focus groups and held one focus group for men, with data collection including demographic questionnaires and semi-structured focus group questions conducted in December 2014. Data were analyzed following thematic analysis. RESULTS Four themes emerged: experiences of perinatal depression; perceptions of perinatal depression; general preventive and coping strategies; and attitudes toward the supportive use social media applications (apps) and text messaging during the perinatal period. Participants had limited knowledge of perinatal depression and had difficulty distinguishing between normal perinatal mood fluctuations and more severe symptoms of depression. They discussed immigrant-related stress, conflicts with parents/in-laws while "doing the month", the perceived gap between the ideal of "perfect moms" and reality, and challenges with parenting as the causes of perinatal depression. Women approved of screening for the condition but were conservative about follow-up interventions. As for the management of perinatal depression, participants preferred to deal with the problem within the family before seeking external help, due to potential stigma as well as Chinese traditional culture. They were receptive to obtaining pertinent health information from anonymous social media apps, preferring these to personal text messages. CONCLUSION The recent immigrant Chinese parents to the United States in the study had limited knowledge of perinatal depression and did not make full use of mental health services for support due to language and cultural barriers. Screening for perinatal depression is only the first step. Future research should explore what interventions may serve as an acceptable approach to overcoming these gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Li
- HER Team and Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Wenqing Xue
- HER Team and Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjie Gong
- HER Team and Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
- Institute and of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Xin Quan
- Department of Family Therapy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Quanlei Li
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Lina Xiao
- East China Institute of Social Development, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Roman Xu
- ACACIA Lab for Health Systems Strengthening, Institute for Global Health and School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Eric D Caine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Ellen L Poleshuck
- Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Walker LO, Kang S. Helping Individuals Achieve a Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy: A Multipronged Approach. Nurs Womens Health 2021; 25:296-303. [PMID: 34144007 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Approximately half of pregnant individuals in the United States exceed recommendations for gestational weight gain (GWG). Excessive GWG is associated with negative outcomes for maternal and infant health. In this article, we provide guidance to nurses who counsel patients about GWG. Because of negative bias toward persons with obesity, nurses need to understand their own attitudes toward obesity to provide supportive GWG counseling. The use of words such as weight is preferred to obese, and recommended GWG goals should be consistent with established guidelines. The setting of specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and trackable behavioral goals can help translate a goal for GWG into practical actions in daily living. Mobile phone apps, if carefully chosen, may help individuals learn about and track GWG.
Collapse
|
40
|
Shu W, Li M, Amaerjiang N, Fan X, Lin S, Segura-Pérez S, Pérez-Escamilla R, Hu Y. A multi-center longitudinal study on responsive breastfeeding in China from the perspective of health equity: research protocol. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:111. [PMID: 33933082 PMCID: PMC8087879 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01430-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Socio-economic inequities can strongly influence suboptimal infant feeding outcomes. Factors such as lack of knowledge about breastfeeding, low family income, low educational attainment, social and economic status, cultural norms and ethnicity may negatively affect success with offering breastfeeding following a responsive feeding approach (ie. responsive breastfeeding). Such inequities can indeed shorten breastfeeding duration, and negatively affect behavioral and cognitive infant outcomes. In China, there is a dearth of studies focusing on breastfeeding from the responsive and health equity perspective. Objective The aim of this article is to present a protocol of an ongoing longitudinal cohort study investigating factors associated with responsive breastfeeding behaviors, and the child’s behavioral and cognitive development from birth to12 months post-partum in five centers in China. The study seeks to identify breastfeeding barriers and facilitators from a health equity perspective. Methods We are enrolling 700 women and their singleton full term infants in Chongqing, Huizhou and Guangzhou urban and rural areas. The study questionnaires will be administrated within 72 h, 30 days, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-partum during the baby’s vaccination visits. We will investigate the difference between urban and rural areas sociodemographic characteristics, breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and practice, postnatal depression, maternal emotion regulation and parenting stress, and anthropometric and cognitive development indicators of the infants at each time-point. Conclusion Our article illustrates how a cohort study can be designed to understand the barriers and facilitators of responsive breastfeeding taking equity principles into account to help promote infants’ growth and development in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shu
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No.10 You'anmenwai Xitoutiao, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Menglong Li
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No.10 You'anmenwai Xitoutiao, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Nubiya Amaerjiang
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No.10 You'anmenwai Xitoutiao, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Child Healthcare, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Shunna Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Tianhe District Maternal and Child Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Sofia Segura-Pérez
- Nutrition Unit, Hispanic Health Council, 175 Main St., Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | | | - Yifei Hu
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No.10 You'anmenwai Xitoutiao, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Musgrave LM, Baum A, Perera N, Homer CS, Gordon A. Baby Buddy App for Breastfeeding and Behavior Change: Retrospective Study of the App Using the Behavior Change Wheel. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e25668. [PMID: 33856351 PMCID: PMC8085747 DOI: 10.2196/25668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breastfeeding plays a major role in the health of mothers and babies and has the potential to positively shape an individual’s life both in the short and long term. In the United Kingdom (UK), although 81% of women initiate breastfeeding, only 1% of women breastfeed exclusively to 6 months as recommended by the World Health Organization. In the UK, women who are socially disadvantaged and younger are less likely to breastfeed at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. One strategy that aims to improve these statistics is the Baby Buddy app, which has been designed and implemented by the UK charity Best Beginnings to be a universal intervention to help reduce health inequalities, including those in breastfeeding. Objective This study aimed to retrospectively examine the development of Baby Buddy by applying the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework to understand how it might increase breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge, and confidence. Methods Retrospective application of the BCW was completed after the app was developed and embedded into maternity services. A three-stage process evaluation used triangulation methods and formalized tools to gain an understanding of the potential mechanisms and behaviors used in apps that are needed to improve breastfeeding rates in the UK. First, we generated a behavioral analysis by mapping breastfeeding barriers and enablers onto the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) system using documents provided by Best Beginnings. Second, we identified the intervention functions and policy categories used. Third, we linked these with the behavior change techniques identified in the app breastfeeding content using the Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy (BCTTv1). Results Baby Buddy is a well-designed platform that could be used to change breastfeeding behaviors. Findings from stage one showed that Best Beginnings had defined breastfeeding as a key behavior requiring support and demonstrated a thorough understanding of the context in which breastfeeding occurs, the barriers and enablers of breastfeeding, and the target actions needed to support breastfeeding. In stage two, Best Beginnings had used intervention and policy functions to address the barriers and enablers of breastfeeding. In stage three, Baby Buddy had been assessed for acceptability, practicability, effectiveness, affordability, safety, and equity. Several behavior change techniques that could assist women with decision making around breastfeeding (eg, information about health consequences and credible sources) and possibly affect attitudes and self-efficacy were identified. Of the 39 videos in the app, 19 (49%) addressed physical capabilities related to breastfeeding and demonstrated positive breastfeeding behaviors. Conclusions Applying a theoretical framework retrospectively to a mobile app is possible and results in useful information to understand potential health benefits and to inform future development. Future research should assess which components and behavioral techniques in the app are most effective in changing behavior and supporting breastfeeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loretta M Musgrave
- Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Caroline Se Homer
- Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW, Australia.,Burnet Institute, Melbourne VIC, Australia
| | - Adrienne Gordon
- Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia.,Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Camperdown NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sandborg J, Henriksson P, Larsen E, Lindqvist AK, Rutberg S, Söderström E, Maddison R, Löf M. Participants' Engagement and Satisfaction With a Smartphone App Intended to Support Healthy Weight Gain, Diet, and Physical Activity During Pregnancy: Qualitative Study Within the HealthyMoms Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e26159. [PMID: 33666554 PMCID: PMC7980113 DOI: 10.2196/26159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is common and associated with negative health outcomes for both mother and child. Mobile health–delivered lifestyle interventions offer the potential to mitigate excessive GWG. The effectiveness of a smartphone app (HealthyMoms) was recently evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. To explore the users’ experiences of using the app, a qualitative study within the HealthyMoms trial was performed. Objective This qualitative study explored participants’ engagement and satisfaction with the 6-month usage of the HealthyMoms app. Methods A total of 19 women (mean age: 31.7, SD 4.4 years; mean BMI: 24.6, SD 3.4 kg/m2; university degree attainment: 13/19, 68%; primiparous: 11/19, 58%) who received the HealthyMoms app in a randomized controlled trial completed semistructured exit interviews. The interviews were audiorecorded and fully transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Results Thematic analysis revealed a main theme and 2 subthemes. The main theme, “One could suit many: a multifunctional tool to strengthen women’s health during pregnancy,” and the 2 subthemes, “Factors within and beyond the app influence app engagement” and “Trust, knowledge, and awareness: aspects that can motivate healthy habits,” illustrated that a trustworthy and appreciated health and pregnancy app that is easy to use can inspire a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. The first subtheme discussed how factors within the app (eg, regular updates and feedback) were perceived to motivate both healthy habits and app engagement. Additionally, factors beyond the app were described to both motivate (eg, interest, motivation, and curiosity) and limit (eg, pregnancy-related complications, lack of time) app engagement. The second subtheme reflected important aspects, such as high trustworthiness of the app, increased knowledge, and awareness from using the app, which motivated participants to improve or maintain healthy habits during pregnancy. Conclusions The HealthyMoms app was considered a valuable and trustworthy tool to mitigate excessive GWG, with useful features and relevant information to initiate and maintain healthy habits during pregnancy. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03298555; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03298555 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/13011
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Sandborg
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pontus Henriksson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Erica Larsen
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Lindqvist
- Division of Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Stina Rutberg
- Division of Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Emmie Söderström
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ralph Maddison
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marie Löf
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Sun Y, Li Y, Wang J, Chen Q, Bazzano AN, Cao F. Effectiveness of Smartphone-Based Mindfulness Training on Maternal Perinatal Depression: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e23410. [PMID: 33502326 PMCID: PMC7875700 DOI: 10.2196/23410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite potential for benefit, mindfulness remains an emergent area in perinatal mental health care, and evidence of smartphone-based mindfulness training for perinatal depression is especially limited. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based mindfulness training intervention during pregnancy on perinatal depression and other mental health problems with a randomized controlled design. METHODS Pregnant adult women who were potentially at risk of perinatal depression were recruited from an obstetrics clinic and randomized to a self-guided 8-week smartphone-based mindfulness training during pregnancy group or attention control group. Mental health indicators were surveyed over five time points through the postpartum period by online self-assessment. The assessor who collected the follow-up data was blind to the assignment. The primary outcome was depression as measured by symptoms, and secondary outcomes were anxiety, stress, affect, sleep, fatigue, memory, and fear. RESULTS A total of 168 participants were randomly allocated to the mindfulness training (n=84) or attention control (n=84) group. The overall dropout rate was 34.5%, and 52.4% of the participants completed the intervention. Mindfulness training participants reported significant improvement of depression (group × time interaction χ24=16.2, P=.003) and secondary outcomes (χ24=13.1, P=.01 for anxiety; χ24=8.4, P=.04 for positive affect) compared to attention control group participants. Medium between-group effect sizes were found on depression and positive affect at postintervention, and on anxiety in late pregnancy (Cohen d=0.47, -0.49, and 0.46, respectively). Mindfulness training participants reported a decreased risk of positive depressive symptom (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] score>9) compared to attention control participants postintervention (odds ratio [OR] 0.391, 95% CI 0.164-0.930) and significantly higher depression symptom remission with different EPDS reduction scores from preintervention to postintervention (OR 3.471-27.986). Parity did not show a significant moderating effect; however, for nulliparous women, mindfulness training participants had significantly improved depression symptoms compared to nulliparous attention control group participants (group × time interaction χ24=18.1, P=.001). CONCLUSIONS Smartphone-based mindfulness training is an effective intervention in improving maternal perinatal depression for those who are potentially at risk of perinatal depression in early pregnancy. Nulliparous women are a promising subgroup who may benefit more from mindfulness training. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900028521; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=33474.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Sun
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qingyi Chen
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Alessandra N Bazzano
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Fenglin Cao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Niedfeldt HJ, Beckstead E, Chahalis E, Jensen M, Reher B, Torres S, Rachmi CN, Jusril H, Hall C, West JH, Crookston BT. Use of Technology to Access Health Information/Services and Subsequent Association With WASH (Water Access, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Knowledge and Behaviors Among Women With Children Under 2 Years of Age in Indonesia: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e19349. [PMID: 33443485 PMCID: PMC7843201 DOI: 10.2196/19349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remain a public health concern in Indonesia. Proper WASH practices can decrease risk of stunting, wasting, and disease in children under the age of 2. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study is to examine if using technology to access health information and services among Indonesian women affects knowledge and behaviors regarding handwashing and defecation practices. METHODS Our study is an interview-based cross-sectional survey. Participants included 1734 mothers of children under 2 years of age. These women were randomly selected and interviewed as part of a 3-stage cluster sampling technique. Our study uses data regarding WASH knowledge which includes benefits of handwashing with soap, 5 critical times of handwashing, risks of open defecation, media of disease transmission, defecation locations, and risks of open defecation. Data regarding WASH behaviors were also included: handwashing with soap, type of latrine used at home, and where defecation took place. This investigation used adjusted and unadjusted logistic and linear regression models to determine differences in WASH outcomes between those who use technology to access health information and services and those who did not. RESULTS One result is that Indonesian women with children under 2 years of age who use technology to access health information and services are more likely to know the advantages of proper handwashing (odds ratio [OR] 2.603, 95% CI 1.666-4.067) and know the 5 critical times of handwashing (OR 1.217, 95% CI 0.969-1.528). Women who use technology to access health information are also more likely to know the risks of open defecation (OR 1.627, 95% CI 1.170-2.264) and use a type of toilet (such as a gooseneck or squat toilet) that limits risk (OR 3.858, 95% CI 2.628-5.665) compared to women who did not use technology to access health information. CONCLUSIONS Using technology to access health information and services was associated with an increase in handwashing and defecation knowledge. In the future, promoting mothers of children under 2 years of age to access health information through technology might be used to increase handwashing and defecation knowledge as well as safe defecation practices. However, further research should be done to determine how technology may increase the frequency of recommended handwashing behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmalene Beckstead
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Emily Chahalis
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Mindy Jensen
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Britton Reher
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Scott Torres
- RTI International, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | | | - Cougar Hall
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Joshua H West
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Rhodes A, Kheireddine S, Smith AD. Experiences, Attitudes, and Needs of Users of a Pregnancy and Parenting App (Baby Buddy) During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e23157. [PMID: 33264100 PMCID: PMC7732354 DOI: 10.2196/23157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of expectant parents and parents of young babies, with disruptions in health care provision and loss of social support. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdown on this population through the lens of users of the UK National Health Service-approved pregnancy and parenting smartphone app, Baby Buddy. The study aims were threefold: to gain insights into the attitudes and experiences of expectant and recent parents (with babies under 24 weeks of age) during the COVID-19 pandemic; to investigate whether Baby Buddy is meeting users' needs during this time; and to identify ways to revise the content of Baby Buddy to better support its users now and in future. METHODS A mixed methods study design combining a web-based survey with semistructured telephone interviews among Baby Buddy users in the United Kingdom was applied. Data were collected from April 15 to mid-June 2020, corresponding to weeks 4-13 of the lockdown in the United Kingdom. RESULTS A total of 436 expectant (n=244, 56.0%) and recent (n=192, 44.0%) parents responded to the web-based survey, of which 79.1% (n=345) were aged 25-39 years and 17.2% (n=75) spoke English as their second language. Of the 436 respondents, 88.5% (386/436) reported increased levels of anxiety around pregnancy, birth, and being a new parent, and 58.0% (253/436) were concerned about their emotional and mental health. Of the 244 pregnant respondents, 43.4% (n=106) were concerned about their physical health. Telephone interviews with 13 pregnant women and 19 recent parents revealed similarly increased levels of anxiety due to reduced health care provision and loss of support from friends and family. Although a minority of respondents identified some positive outcomes of lockdown, such as family bonding, many telephone interviewees reported feeling isolated, disregarded, and overwhelmed. Recent parents were particularly anxious about the impact of the lockdown on their baby's development and socialization. Many interviewees were also concerned about their physical health as a consequence of both limited access to face-to-face medical appointments and their own poorer dietary and physical activity behaviors. Across both samples, 97.0% (423/436) of respondents reported that Baby Buddy was currently helping them, with many commenting that its role was even more important given the lack of face-to-face support from health care and parenting organizations. Greater speed in updating digital content to reflect changes due to the pandemic was suggested. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has created heightened anxiety and stress among expectant parents and those with a young baby, and for many, lockdown has had an adverse impact on their physical and mental well-being. With reductions in health care and social support, expectant and new parents are increasingly relying on web-based resources. As a free, evidence-based app, Baby Buddy is well positioned to meet this need. The app could support its users even more by actively directing them to the wealth of existing content relevant to their concerns and by adding content to give users the knowledge and confidence to meet new challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rhodes
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Kheireddine
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea D Smith
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Musgrave LM, Kizirian NV, Homer CSE, Gordon A. Mobile Phone Apps in Australia for Improving Pregnancy Outcomes: Systematic Search on App Stores. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e22340. [PMID: 33196454 PMCID: PMC7704277 DOI: 10.2196/22340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are increasingly turning to mobile health platforms to receive health information and support in pregnancy, yet the content of these platforms vary. Although there is great potential to influence health behaviors, little research has assessed the quality of these platforms or their ability to change behavior. In recent years, validated tools to assess app quality have become available. OBJECTIVE To identify and assess the quality and ongoing popularity of the top 10 freely available pregnancy apps in Australia using validated tools. METHODS A systematic search on app stores to identify apps was performed. A Google Play search used subject terms pregnancy, parenting, and childbirth; the iTunes search used alternative categories medical and health and fitness. The top 250 apps from each store were cross-referenced, and the top 100 found in both Google Play and iTunes were screened for eligibility. Apps that provided health information or advice for pregnancy were included. Excluded apps focused on nonhealth information (eg, baby names). The top 10 pregnancy apps were assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). A comparative analysis was conducted at 2 time points over 2 years to assess the ongoing popularity of the apps. The MARS score was compared to the download and star rating data collected from iTunes and Google Play in 2017 and 2019. Health behaviors including breastfeeding, healthy pregnancy weight, and maternal awareness of fetal movements were reviewed for apparent impact on the user's knowledge, attitudes, and behavior change intentions using the MARS perceived impact section and the Coventry, Aberdeen, and London-Refined (CALO-RE) taxonomy. RESULTS A total of 2052 free apps were screened for eligibility, 1397 were excluded, and 655 were reviewed and scored. The top 10 apps were selected using download numbers and star ratings. All 10 apps were suboptimal in quality, practicality, and functionality. It was not possible to identify a primary purpose for all apps, and there was overlap in purpose for many. The mean overall MARS app quality score across all 10 apps was 3.01 (range 1.97-4.40) in 2017 and 3.40 (range 2.27-4.44) in 2019. A minority of apps scored well for perceived impact on health behavior using the MARS tool. Using the CALO-RE 40 item taxonomy, the number of behavior change techniques used was low. The mean number of behavior change techniques for breastfeeding was 5 (range 2-11), for pregnancy weight was 4 (range 2-12), and for maternal awareness of fetal movements was 5 (range 2-8). CONCLUSIONS This review provides valuable information to clinicians and consumers about the quality of apps currently available for pregnancy in Australia. Consideration is needed regarding the regulation of information and the potential opportunity to incorporate behavior change techniques to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loretta M Musgrave
- Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia
| | - Nathalie V Kizirian
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline S E Homer
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne VIC, Australia
- Centre for Midwifery, Child, and Family Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW, Australia
| | - Adrienne Gordon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia
- Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Camperdown NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Garnweidner-Holme L, Henriksen L, Torheim LE, Lukasse M. Effect of the Pregnant+ Smartphone App on the Dietary Behavior of Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e18614. [PMID: 33146620 PMCID: PMC7673980 DOI: 10.2196/18614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide. A healthy diet and stable blood glucose levels during pregnancy can prevent adverse health outcomes for the mother and the newborn child. Mobile health may be a useful supplement to prenatal care, providing women with targeted dietary information concerning GDM. Objective We analyzed secondary data from a two-arm, multicentered, nonblinded randomized controlled trial to determine if a smartphone app with targeted dietary information and blood glucose monitoring had an effect on the dietary behavior of women with GDM. Methods Women with a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test level of ≥9 mmol/L were individually randomized to either the intervention group receiving the Pregnant+ app and usual care or the control group receiving usual care only. Eligible women were enrolled from 5 diabetes outpatient clinics in the Oslo region, Norway, between October 2015 and April 2017. The Pregnant+ app promoted 10 GDM-specific dietary recommendations. A healthy dietary score for Pregnant+ (HDS-P+) was constructed from a 41-item food frequency questionnaire and used to assess the intervention effect on the dietary behavior completed at trial entry and at around gestation week 36. Dietary changes from baseline to week 36 were examined by a paired sample two-tailed t test. Between-group dietary differences after the intervention were estimated with analysis of covariance, with adjustment for baseline diet. Results A total of 238 women participated: 115 were allocated to the intervention group and 123 to the control group. Of the 238 women, 193 (81.1%) completed the food frequency questionnaire both at baseline and around gestational week 36. All the participants showed improvements in their HDS-P+ from baseline. However, the Pregnant+ app did not have a significant effect on their HDS-P+. The control group reported a higher weekly frequency of choosing fish meals (P=.05). No other significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups. There were no significant demographic baseline differences between the groups, except that more women in the intervention group had a non-Norwegian language as their first language (61 vs 46; P=.02). Conclusions Our findings do not support the supplementation of face-to-face follow-up of women with GDM with a smartphone app in the presence of high-standard usual care, as the Pregnant+ app did not have a beneficial effect on pregnant women’s diet. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02588729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02588729
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lena Henriksen
- OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liv Elin Torheim
- OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mirjam Lukasse
- OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Heath and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Campus Vestfold, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wu H, Sun W, Huang X, Yu S, Wang H, Bi X, Sheng J, Chen S, Akinwunmi B, Zhang CJP, Ming WK. Online Antenatal Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Opportunities and Challenges. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e19916. [PMID: 32658860 PMCID: PMC7407486 DOI: 10.2196/19916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
People across the world have been greatly affected by the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The high infection risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in hospitals is particularly problematic for recently delivered mothers and currently pregnant women who require professional antenatal care. Online antenatal care would be a preferable alternative for these women since it can provide pregnancy-related information and remote clinic consultations. In addition, online antenatal care may help to provide relatively economical medical services and diminish health care inequality due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness, especially in developing countries or regions. However, some pregnant women will doubt the reliability of such online information. Therefore, it is important to ensure the quality and safety of online services and establish a stable, mutual trust between the pregnant women, the obstetric care providers and the technology vis-a-vis the online programs. Here, we report how the COVID-19 pandemic brings not only opportunities for the development and popularization of online antenatal care programs but also challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huailiang Wu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Faculty of Medicine, International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Faculty of Medicine, International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Huang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Faculty of Medicine, International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shinning Yu
- Faculty of Medicine, International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Culture and Tourism, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Bi
- College of Economics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Sheng
- College of Economics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihan Chen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Babatunde Akinwunmi
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Casper J P Zhang
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kit Ming
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Faculty of Medicine, International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Szinay D, Jones A, Chadborn T, Brown J, Naughton F. Influences on the Uptake of and Engagement With Health and Well-Being Smartphone Apps: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17572. [PMID: 32348255 PMCID: PMC7293059 DOI: 10.2196/17572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public health impact of health and well-being digital interventions is dependent upon sufficient real-world uptake and engagement. Uptake is currently largely dependent on popularity indicators (eg, ranking and user ratings on app stores), which may not correspond with effectiveness, and rapid disengagement is common. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify factors that influence uptake and engagement with health and well-being apps to inform new approaches that promote the effective use of such tools. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to understand what is known about influences on the uptake of and engagement with health and well-being smartphone apps among adults. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies. Studies conducted on adults were included if they focused on health and well-being smartphone apps reporting on uptake and engagement behavior. Studies identified through a systematic search in Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, or MEDLARS Online (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychINFO, Scopus, Cochrane library databases, DataBase systems and Logic Programming (DBLP), and Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Digital library were screened, with a proportion screened independently by 2 authors. Data synthesis and interpretation were undertaken using a deductive iterative process. External validity checking was undertaken by an independent researcher. A narrative synthesis of the findings was structured around the components of the capability, opportunity, motivation, behavior change model and the theoretical domains framework (TDF). RESULTS Of the 7640 identified studies, 41 were included in the review. Factors related to uptake (U), engagement (E), or both (B) were identified. Under capability, the main factors identified were app literacy skills (B), app awareness (U), available user guidance (B), health information (E), statistical information on progress (E), well-designed reminders (E), features to reduce cognitive load (E), and self-monitoring features (E). Availability at low cost (U), positive tone, and personalization (E) were identified as physical opportunity factors, whereas recommendations for health and well-being apps (U), embedded health professional support (E), and social networking (E) possibilities were social opportunity factors. Finally, the motivation factors included positive feedback (E), available rewards (E), goal setting (E), and the perceived utility of the app (E). CONCLUSIONS Across a wide range of populations and behaviors, 26 factors relating to capability, opportunity, and motivation appear to influence the uptake of and engagement with health and well-being smartphone apps. Our recommendations may help app developers, health app portal developers, and policy makers in the optimization of health and well-being apps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Szinay
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Jones
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Chadborn
- Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Naughton
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Bland C, Dalrymple KV, White SL, Moore A, Poston L, Flynn AC. Smartphone applications available to pregnant women in the United Kingdom: An assessment of nutritional information. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2020; 16:e12918. [PMID: 31833237 PMCID: PMC7083499 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The importance of diet during pregnancy is critically important for the short- and long-term health of both mother and child. The number of apps targeting pregnant women is rapidly increasing, yet the nutritional content of these tools remains largely unexplored. This review aimed to evaluate the coverage and content of nutrition information in smartphone apps available to U.K. pregnant women. Keyword searches were conducted in iTunes and Google Play stores in November 2018. Candidate apps were included if they targeted pregnant women, provided pregnancy-specific nutritional information, had a user rating of at least 4+ based on at least 20 ratings, and were available in English. Nutritional content was assessed for accuracy against U.K. recommendations. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were also evaluated. Twenty-nine apps were included, seven of which originated in the United Kingdom. There was a large variability in the quality of smartphone app nutritional information. The accuracy of nutrition information varied, and several apps conveyed inappropriate information for pregnancy. On average, 10 BCTs were identified per app (range 2-15). Overall, smartphone apps do not consistently provide accurate and useful nutritional information to pregnant women. This study highlights the need for the integration of evidence-based nutritional information during app development and for increased regulatory oversight. App developers should also make it clear that nutritional content is intended for a specific geographical region or population or modify for the intended audience. These are important considerations for the design of future apps, which are increasingly used to complement existing maternity services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Bland
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Kathryn V. Dalrymple
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sara L. White
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Amanda Moore
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Lucilla Poston
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Angela C. Flynn
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|