Development of a Mobile Application of Internet-Based Support Program on Parenting Outcomes for Primiparous Women

Xilin Li, Yao Zhang, Ziwen Ye, Lingling Huang and Xujuan Zheng
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Xilin Li: Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Yao Zhang: Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Ziwen Ye: Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Lingling Huang: Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Xujuan Zheng: Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-11

Abstract: Primiparous women usually experience various parenting problems after childbirth that have negative effects on the well-being of mothers and infants. Although e-Support technology could provide an innovative and easily accessible intervention approach, mobile-phone interventions remain limited for Chinese primiparous women. Therefore, a new mobile application (APP) called the “Internet-based Support Program” (“ISP”) was designed, incorporating the self-efficacy theory and the social-exchange theory for Chinese first-time mothers to improve their levels of maternal self-efficacy (MSE), social support, and satisfaction, as well as to reduce their postpartum depression symptoms. The research was conducted to develop and optimize the “ISP” APP for new mothers via a theory-, evidence-, and person-based approach. Five modules of “learning forum”, “communication forum”, “ask-the-expert forum”, “baby home forum”, and “reminder forum” were included in the APP to meet various parenting needs of first-time mothers; and its contents and functions were validated by the experts and primiparous women. The majority of participants gave positive feedback on the APP’s perceived ease of use and usefulness. The “ISP” APP was the first designed for Chinese primiparous women, and a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to measure its effectiveness on parenting outcomes.

Keywords: M-health; mobile phone; application; primiparous women; maternal self-efficacy; social support; postpartum depression (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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