Browsing throughout pregnancy: The longitudinal course of social media use during pregnancy

Assessing the acceptability of using patient portals to recruit pregnant women and new mothers for maternal-child health research

Objective

Electronic patient portals (PP) allow for targeted and efficient research recruitment. We assessed pre- and postnatal women's recruitment methods preferences, focusing on PP.

Materials and Methods

We conducted 4 in-person focus groups with new and expecting mothers. Participants reported demographics, health status, and comfort with technology including PP. We used descriptive statistics to characterize quantitative data and a quasi-deductive approach to analyze qualitative data.

Results

Participants (n = 32) were an average age of 31.9 years, mostly White (65.6%), married (90.6%), and had a 4-year degree or higher (71.9%). Although they preferred PP for research recruitment over other methods (eg, in-person, physical mail), participants suggested potential barriers, including high message frequency, messages feeling like spam, and concerns about confidentiality. Participants suggested solutions, including enhancing autonomy through opt-in methods; integrating their healthcare provider's feedback; sending personal and relevant messages; and assuring their PP data are confidential.

Discussion

PPs are a promising recruitment method for pre- and postnatal women including for maternal-child health studies. To ensure engagement with the method, researchers must respond to known patient concerns and incorporate their feedback into future efforts.

Conclusion

Although PP were generally viewed as an acceptable recruitment method, researchers should be mindful of barriers that may limit its reach and effectiveness.

Effects of theory-guided unsupervised exercise on depression, sleep quality, and sense of control in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Unsupervised exercise is beneficial for pregnant women, and ongoing exercise may affect the course of pregnancy. Therefore, promoting continued exercise among women is critical.

AIMS

To implement a home-based exercise program, guided by the COM-B model theory, and assess its effects on depression, sleep quality, and sense of control among pregnant women.

METHODS

Pregnant women (N = 100) were selected and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention or the control group. Both groups received exercise instruction. The intervention group received an additional intervention based on the COM-B model theory. Depression and sleep quality were evaluated at 28 and 35 weeks of gestation, while women's sense of control was assessed at 35 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

In total, 91 participants completed the study, with 100 included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The intervention group showed improvement in depression at 28 and 35 weeks of gestation and in sleep quality at 35 weeks. Although there was no significant difference in the sense of control between the groups, the intervention group demonstrated better emotional control.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

A theory-guided exercise intervention shows benefits in improving third-trimester depression, sleep quality, and emotional control. Therefore, exercise programs during pregnancy should consider to encompass capacities, opportunities, and motivations to encourage exercise behavior.

Psychometric Properties of the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale in Portuguese Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy provides a privileged and opportune moment to implement interventions promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and significantly improving perinatal outcomes. The Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale (HLBES) can be used to assess health promoting behaviors, such as diet, physical activity, and mental health.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the HLBES in Portuguese pregnant women.

METHODS

A methodological study was conducted on a convenience sample of 192 pregnant women receiving prenatal care. After cross-cultural adaptation, an exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency assessment were carried out to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale. Data collected included the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale to assess the HLBES' criterion validity.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation yielded 2 subscales that explained 45.23% of the total variance. The scale revealed an overall internal consistency of 0.78 and a good criterion validity with the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale (r = 0.65, P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the HLBES is an instrument for reporting healthy lifestyle behaviors in Portuguese pregnant women; however, further studies are recommended. This scale can be used to not only describe healthy lifestyle behaviors in pregnant women but also to determine the effects of health promoting interventions.

Investigating the influence of family-oriented counselling on breastfeeding continuity in mothers experiencing distractions: A randomized controlled trial

The prevalence of distraction among breastfeeding mothers is on the rise, primarily attributed to the escalating use of media technologies. This study aimed to assess the influence of family-oriented counselling on the continuity of breastfeeding in mothers experiencing distractions. This randomized controlled trial included 120 eligible lactating mothers who accessed postpartum services at comprehensive health centers in Zanjan, a city in northwest Iran from August 21, 2022 to May 10, 2023. Participants were assigned to two groups through block randomization with a block size of four. The intervention group received Family-Oriented Counselling in three sessions at weekly intervals, and the control group received standard postpartum care. The study measured outcomes using the Maternal Distraction Questionnaire and breastfeeding patterns before, monthly, and up to 4 months after counselling. Data analysis employed statistical methods, including the Chi-square test, independent t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and the Kaplan-Meier method, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. The results showed that the continuation of exclusive breastfeeding was 33 (55 %) in the intervention group and 21 (35 %) in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). The reduction in distraction scores over time was more pronounced in the intervention group compared to the control group. The between-group effect was found to be statistically significant with an eta effect size of 0.73 (p = 0.001). In conclusion, the study suggests that the implementation of a family-centered intervention was effective in promoting the continuation of breastfeeding and reducing maternal distractions both during breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding activities. This approach proves to be a valuable step in enhancing the health of both mother and child. The findings underscore the importance of considering such interventions in health policymaking.