@Article{info:doi/10.2196/64882, author="Chua, Xin Joelle Yan and Choolani, Mahesh and Chee, Ing Cornelia Yin and Yi, Huso and Lalor, Gabrielle Joan and Chong, Seng Yap and Shorey, Shefaly", title="A Mobile App--Based Intervention (Parentbot--a Digital Healthcare Assistant) for Parents: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2025", month="Apr", day="17", volume="27", pages="e64882", keywords="perinatal", keywords="mobile app", keywords="app use", keywords="survey response", keywords="parents", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="AI", abstract="Background: Mobile app--based interventions are viable methods of delivering perinatal care support to parents. A mobile app--based intervention entitled Parentbot--a Digital Healthcare Assistant (PDA) was developed and evaluated via a randomized controlled trial. PDA aimed to provide informational, socioemotional, and psychological support to parents across the perinatal period. As developing such interventions is resource intensive, it is important to evaluate participants' use and the components that are appreciated by them. Objective: This study aims to examine the (1) relationship between participants' characteristics and PDA use, (2) relationship between PDA use and parenting outcomes, and (3) relationship between participants' characteristics and the time taken to respond to the surveys (survey response timing). Methods: This study is the secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. A convenient sample of 118 heterosexual couples (236 participants: n=118, 50\% mothers and n=118, 50\% fathers) from a public tertiary hospital in Singapore were recruited. Data were collected from November 2022 to August 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the parents' characteristics and study variables. Linear mixed models were used to examine the effect of (1) participants' sociodemographic characteristics on PDA use metrics, (2) use metrics on parenting outcomes, and (3) participants' sociodemographic characteristics on the survey response timing. The Pearson correlation was also used to examine the linear relationships between the PDA use metrics and parenting outcomes. Results: The following parental characteristics were found to be associated with PDA use: antenatal course attendance, gender, religion, ethnicity, and the number of children. After adjusting for baseline values and sociodemographic covariates, only the viewing of educational materials was statistically significantly associated with improvements in parents' anxiety ($\beta$=--0.48, 95\% CI --0.94 to --0.009; P=.046), parent-child bonding ($\beta$=--0.10, 95\% CI --0.19 to --0.01; P=.03), social support ($\beta$=0.31, 95\% CI 0.08-0.54; P=.01), and parenting satisfaction ($\beta$=0.57, 95\% CI 0.07-1.07; P=.03) at 1 month post partum. Moreover, parents' age, ethnicity, grouping, and number of children were found to be related to the survey response timing. Conclusions: As the viewing of PDA's educational materials was linked to improvements in parents' perinatal well-being, the provision of educational resources should be prioritized in future app-based parenting interventions. Because the use of other PDA features, such as poster activities, forum posts, and reflection and gratitude exercises, had a limited effect in improving parents' well-being, future interventions could explore alternative activities to better engage parents. Future mobile app--based parenting interventions could conduct similar evaluations on app use and the effectiveness of specific features to validate the findings of this study. ", doi="10.2196/64882", url="https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e64882" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42406, author="Kola, Lola and Fatodu, Tobi and Kola, Manasseh and Olayemi, A. Bisola and Adefolarin, O. Adeyinka and Dania, Simpa and Kumar, Manasi and Ben-Zeev, Dror", title="Factors Impacting Mobile Health Adoption for Depression Care and Support by Adolescent Mothers in Nigeria: Preliminary Focus Group Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Apr", day="9", volume="9", pages="e42406", keywords="adolescent perinatal depression", keywords="primary care", keywords="mHealth app", keywords="user centered design", keywords="smartphone", keywords="human-centered design", keywords="HCD", keywords="depression", keywords="postpartum", keywords="perinatal", keywords="postnatal", keywords="teenage", keywords="adolescent", keywords="youth", keywords="low-middle-income countries", keywords="LMIC", keywords="middle income", keywords="adoption", keywords="acceptability", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile app", keywords="women's health", keywords="mental health", keywords="depressive", abstract="Background: Mobile health (mHealth), the use of mobile technology in health care, is increasingly being used for mental health service delivery even in low- and middle-income countries to scale up treatment, and a variety of evidence supports their potential in different populations. Objective: This study aims to use the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as a lens to explain knowledge of mHealth use for mental health care, personal behavioral capabilities, and the external social contexts that can impact the adoption of an mHealth app for depression care among perinatal adolescents in Nigeria. Methods: At the preliminary stage of a user-centered design (UCD), 4 focus group discussions were conducted among 39 participants: 19 perinatal adolescents with a history of depression and 20 primary care providers. Guided by the SCT, a popular model used for predicting and explaining health behaviors, we documented participants' knowledge of mHealth use for health purposes, advantages, and challenges to the adoption of an mHealth app by young mothers, and approaches to mitigate challenges. Data collection and analysis was an iterative process until saturation of all topic areas was reached. Results: The mean age for young mothers was 17.3 (SD 0.9) years and 48 (SD 5.8) years for care providers. Mistrust from relatives on mobile phone use for therapeutic purposes, avoidance of clinic appointments, and sharing of application contents with friends were some challenges to adoption identified in the study population. Supportive personal factors and expressions of self-efficacy on mobile app use were found to be insufficient for adoption. This is because there are social complications and disapprovals that come along with getting pregnant at a young age. Adequate engagement of parents, guardians, and partners on mHealth solutions by care providers was identified as necessary to the uptake of digital tools for mental health care in this population. Conclusions: The SCT guided the interpretations of the study findings. Young mothers expressed excitement at the use of mHealth technology to manage perinatal depression. Real-life challenges, however, need to be attended to for successful implementation of such interventions. Communications between care providers and patients' relatives on the therapeutic use of mHealth are vital to the success of a mHealth mental health management plan for depression in young mothers in Nigeria. ", doi="10.2196/42406", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e42406" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/72469, author="McAlister, Kelsey and Baez, Lara and Huberty, Jennifer and Kerppola, Marianna", title="Chatbot to Support the Mental Health Needs of Pregnant and Postpartum Women (Moment for Parents): Design and Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Apr", day="8", volume="9", pages="e72469", keywords="perinatal support", keywords="human-centered design", keywords="digital health", keywords="maternal health", keywords="chatbot", keywords="digital tool", abstract="Background: Maternal mental health disorders are prevalent, yet many individuals do not receive adequate support due to stigma, financial constraints, and limited access to care. Digital interventions, particularly chatbots, have the potential to provide scalable, low-cost support, but few are tailored specifically to the needs of perinatal individuals. Objective: This study aimed to (1) design and develop Moment for Parents, a tailored chatbot for perinatal mental health education and support, and (2) assess usability through engagement, usage patterns, and user experience. Methods: This study used a human-centered design to develop Moment for Parents, a rules-based chatbot to support pregnant and postpartum individuals. In phase 1, ethnographic interviews (n=43) explored user needs to inform chatbot development. In phase 2, a total of 108 pregnant and postpartum individuals were recruited to participate in a pilot test and had unrestricted access to the chatbot. Engagement was tracked over 8 months to assess usage patterns and re-engagement rates. After 1 month, participants completed a usability, relevance, and satisfaction survey, providing key insights for refining the chatbot. Results: Key themes that came from the ethnographic interviews in phase 1 included the need for trusted resources, emotional support, and better mental health guidance. These insights informed chatbot content, including mood-based exercises and coping strategies. Re-engagement was high (69/108, 63.9\%), meaning users who had stopped interacting for at least 1 week returned to the chatbot at least once. A large proportion (28/69, 40.6\%) re-engaged 3 or more times. Overall, 28/30 (93.3\%) found the chatbot relevant for them, though some noted repetitive content and limited response options. Conclusions: The Moment for Parents chatbot successfully engaged pregnant and postpartum individuals with higher-than-typical retention and re-engagement patterns. The findings underscore the importance of flexible, mood-based digital support tailored to perinatal needs. Future research should examine how intermittent chatbot use influences mental health outcomes and refine content delivery to enhance long-term engagement and effectiveness. ", doi="10.2196/72469", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e72469" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/62841, author="Dol, Justine and Campbell-Yeo, Marsha and Aston, Megan and McMillan, Douglas and Grant, K. Amy", title="Impact of a 6-Week Postpartum Text Messaging Program (Essential Coaching for Every Mother) at 6 Months: Follow-Up Study to a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2025", month="Apr", day="2", volume="8", pages="e62841", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="SMS text message", keywords="text messages", keywords="messaging", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="postpartum depression", keywords="postpartum anxiety", keywords="social support", keywords="intervention", keywords="postpartum", keywords="postnatal", keywords="mental health", keywords="parenting", keywords="mother", keywords="depression", keywords="anxiety", keywords="RCT", keywords="randomized controlled trial", abstract="Background: Essential Coaching for Every Mother is an SMS text messaging program that positively improved parenting self-efficacy and reduced postpartum anxiety when measured immediately after intervention at 6 weeks postpartum. However, the impact of a short-term postpartum intervention over time is unknown. Objective: This study aims to compare parenting self-efficacy, postpartum anxiety symptoms, postpartum depression symptoms, and perceived social support at 6 months postpartum for mothers in the Essential Coaching for Every Mother trial. Methods: Participants (n=150) were randomized to Essential Coaching for Every Mother or control (usual care). Data were collected on parenting self-efficacy (primary outcome, Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale), postpartum anxiety symptoms (Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale), postpartum depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) at enrollment and 6-months postpartum. Data were analyzed using analyses of covariance and chi-square analysis. Results: A total of 139 women completed the primary outcome at 6 months and 136 completed secondary outcomes. At 6 months, there were no statistically significant differences between mothers in the intervention group and mothers in the control group on any of the outcomes. More mothers in the intervention group had higher postpartum anxiety scores (31/68, 45.6\%) than mothers in the control group (16/68, 23.5\%; P=.007). Conclusions: At 6 months postpartum, all mothers had similar scores on parenting self-efficacy, postpartum anxiety symptoms, postpartum depression symptoms, and social support. Thus, Essential Coaching for Every Mother improved parenting self-efficacy and reduced postpartum anxiety at 6 weeks, with all mothers having similar scores at 6 months postpartum. Trial Registration: ClincialTrials.gov NCT04730570; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04730570 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/27138 ", doi="10.2196/62841", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e62841" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/67049, author="Atukunda, Cathyln Esther and Mugyenyi, Rwambuka Godfrey and Haberer, E. Jessica and Siedner, J. Mark and Musiimenta, Angella and Najjuma, N. Josephine and Obua, Celestino and Matthews, T. Lynn", title="Integration of a Patient-Centered mHealth Intervention (Support-Moms) Into Routine Antenatal Care to Improve Maternal Health Among Pregnant Women in Southwestern Uganda: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Mar", day="19", volume="14", pages="e67049", keywords="social support", keywords="intervention development", keywords="maternal health", keywords="antenatal care attendance", keywords="skilled births", keywords="Uganda", abstract="Background: Mobile health (mHealth) interventions that leverage social support (SS) can improve partner involvement and pregnancy experiences and promote antenatal care (ANC) attendance and skilled births. In our previous studies, we used behavioral frameworks to develop a user-centered mHealth-based, audio SMS text messaging app to support pregnant individuals to use maternity care services in rural Uganda (Support-Moms app). In our pilot study, we observed high intervention uptake, acceptability, and feasibility, as well as increased ANC attendance and skilled births. Objective: With the promising pilot data, we propose a type 1 hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial to test if this novel patient-centered automated and customized mHealth-based SS intervention is effective and cost-effective enough to warrant future large-scale implementation into Uganda's routine maternity care. Methods: We will physically recruit 824 pregnant women at <20 weeks of gestation living in Mbarara and Mitooma districts, southwestern Uganda, and randomize them (1:1) to receive standard of care or the Support-Moms app, with at least 2 of their identified social supporters. Our primary outcome will be the proportion of skilled births. Secondary outcomes will include number of ANC visits, institution-based delivery, mode of infant delivery, preterm birth, birth weight, SS, obstetric complications, and deaths (maternal, fetal, and newborn). We will assess other implementation, service, and client outcomes through study records, the mHealth platform, and questionnaires with all women in the intervention, their social supporters, health care providers (HCPs), and managers from participating facilities. We will conduct face-to-face in-depth exit interviews with 30 purposively selected intervention participants and 15 facility HCPs and managers to explore implementation strategies for scale-up. Annual maternity resource allocations, costs, number of ANC visits, and deliveries will be assessed from facility records up to 36 months after implementation. We will estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios concerning cost per additional HCP-led delivery, per death averted, and per quality-adjusted life year gained as cost-effectiveness measures. Results: This study was funded in September 2023. Ethics approval was obtained in February 2024, and actual data collection started in March 2024. As of January 2025, 75\% (618/824) of all projected study participants provided consent and were recruited into the study. Participants are expected to be followed up until delivery, and 15\% (124/824) have so far exited. Data analysis for the trial is expected to start as soon as the last participant exits from the study. The qualitative interviews will start in April 2025, and data will be analyzed and published as soon as data collection is done, which is expected in March 2027. Conclusions: We are testing the feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of implementing Support-Moms into routine maternity care from individual and facility perspectives. We hypothesize that Support-Moms will be an effective and cost-effective strategy to improve maternity service use for women in rural Uganda and similar settings. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05940831; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05940831 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/67049 ", doi="10.2196/67049", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e67049", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40105879" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/63483, author="Decataldo, Alessandra and Paleardi, Federico and Lauritano, Giacomo and Figlino, Francesca Maria and Russo, Concetta and Novello, Mino and Fiore, Brunella and Ciuffo, Giulia and Ionio, Chiara", title="Preventing Premature Family Maladjustment: Protocol for a Multidisciplinary eHealth Study on Preterm Parents' Well-Being", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Mar", day="18", volume="14", pages="e63483", keywords="preterm birth", keywords="parental well-being", keywords="sociology of health", keywords="digital-based monitoring", keywords="mixed methods research", keywords="eHealth", abstract="Background: The consequences of preterm birth extend beyond the clinical conditions of the newborn, profoundly impacting the functioning and well-being of families. Parents of preterm infants often describe the experience of preterm birth and subsequent admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as a disruptive event in their lives, triggering feelings of guilt, helplessness, and fear. Although various research examines changes in parents' well-being and perception of self-efficacy during the stay in the NICU, there is a lack of research analyzing what happens in the transition phase at home after the baby's discharge. Recently, scholars have advocated for the use of web-based support programs to monitor and prevent preterm family maladjustment and assist parents. Objective: This interdisciplinary research will develop a sociopsychological model focused on assessing the well-being of parents of premature infants during and after their stay in a NICU. Specifically, the study aims to (1) monitor the mental health of parents of premature infants both at the time of the child's discharge from the NICU and in the first 6 months after discharge to prevent family maladjustment, (2) deepen our understanding of the role of digital tools in monitoring and supporting preterm parents' well-being, and (3) study the potential impact of the relationship with health care professionals on the overall well-being of parents. Methods: This project combines mixed methods of social research and psychological support with an eHealth approach. The well-being of parents of premature infants will be assessed using validated scales administered through a questionnaire to parents of preterm infants within 6 NICUs at the time of the child's discharge. Subsequently, a follow-up assessment of parental well-being will be implemented through the administration of the validated scales in a web application. In addition, an ethnographic phase will be conducted in the NICUs involving observation of the interaction between health care professionals and parents as well as narrative interviews with health care staff. Finally, interactions within the digital environment of the web application will be analyzed using a netnographic approach. We expect to shed light on the determinants of well-being among parents of premature infants in relation to varying levels of prematurity severity; sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status; and parental involvement in NICU care practices. With the follow-up phase via web application, this project also aims to prevent family maladjustment by providing psychological support and using an eHealth tool. Results: The results are expected by October 2025, the expiration date of the Project of Relevant National Interest. Conclusions: The eHealth Study on Preterm Parents' Well-Being aims to improve preterm parents' well-being and, indirectly, children's health by reducing social costs. Furthermore, it promotes standardized neonatal care protocols, reducing regional disparities and strengthening collaboration between parents and health care staff. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/63483 ", doi="10.2196/63483", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e63483" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/66580, author="Wang, Jianing and Tang, Nu and Jin, Congcong and Yang, Jianxue and Zheng, Xiangpeng and Jiang, Qiujing and Li, Shengping and Xiao, Nian and Zhou, Xiaojun", title="Association of Digital Health Interventions With Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2025", month="Mar", day="14", volume="27", pages="e66580", keywords="digital health", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="telehealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="intervention", keywords="meta-analysis", keywords="pregnant women", keywords="systematic review", abstract="Background: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is crucial to maternal and neonatal health, yet many women fail to meet recommended guidelines, increasing the risk of complications. Digital health interventions offer promising solutions, but their effectiveness remains uncertain. This study evaluates the impact of such interventions on GWG and other maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of digital health interventions among pregnant women and newborns. Methods: A total of 2 independent researchers performed electronic literature searches in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify eligible studies published from their inception until February 2024; an updated search was conducted in August 2024. The studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes. The Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used to examine the risk of publication bias. Stata (version 15.1; StataCorp) was used to analyze the data. Results: We incorporated 42 pertinent RCTs involving 148,866 participants. In comparison to the routine care group, GWG was markedly reduced in the intervention group (standardized mean difference--0.19, 95\% CI --0.25 to --0.13; P<.001). A significant reduction was observed in the proportion of women with excessive weight gain (odds ratio [OR] 0.79, 95\% CI 0.69-0.91; P=.001), along with an increase in the proportion of women with adequate weight gain (OR 1.33, 95\% CI 1.10-1.64; P=.003). Although no significant difference was reported for the proportion of individuals below standardized weight gain, there is a significant reduction in the risk of miscarriage (OR 0.66, 95\% CI 0.46-0.95; P=.03), preterm birth (OR 0.8, 95\% CI 0.75-0.86; P<.001), as well as complex neonatal outcomes (OR 0.93, 95\% CI 0.87-0.99; P=.02). Other maternal and fetal outcomes were not significantly different between the 2 groups (all P>.05). Conclusions: The findings corroborate our hypothesis that digitally facilitated health care can enhance certain facets of maternal and neonatal outcomes, particularly by mitigating excessive weight and maintaining individuals within a reasonable weight gain range. Therefore, encouraging women to join the digital health team sounds feasible and helpful. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024564331; https://tinyurl.com/5n6bshjt ", doi="10.2196/66580", url="https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e66580" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/66637, author="Downs, Symons Danielle and Pauley, M. Abigail and Rivera, E. Daniel and Savage, S. Jennifer and Moore, M. Amy and Shao, Danying and Chow, Sy-Miin and Lagoa, Constantino and Pauli, M. Jaimey and Khan, Owais and Kunselman, Allen", title="Healthy Mom Zone Adaptive Intervention With a Novel Control System and Digital Platform to Manage Gestational Weight Gain in Pregnant Women With Overweight or Obesity: Study Design and Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Mar", day="13", volume="14", pages="e66637", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="gestational weight gain", keywords="physical activity", keywords="healthy eating", keywords="overweight", keywords="obesity", keywords="intervention", abstract="Background: Regulating gestational weight gain (GWG) in pregnant women with overweight or obesity is difficult, particularly because of the narrow range of recommended GWG for optimal health outcomes. Given that many pregnant women show excessive GWG and considering the lack of a ``gold standard'' intervention to manage GWG, there is a timely need for effective and efficient approaches to regulate GWG. We have enhanced the Healthy Mom Zone (HMZ) 2.0 intervention with a novel digital platform, automated dosage changes, and personalized strategies to regulate GWG, and our pilot study demonstrated successful recruitment, compliance, and utility of our new control system and digital platform. Objective: The goal of this paper is to describe the study protocol for a randomized controlled optimization trial to examine the efficacy of the enhanced HMZ 2.0 intervention with the new automated control system and digital platform to regulate GWG and influence secondary maternal and infant outcomes while collecting implementation data to inform future scalability. Methods: This is an efficacy study using a randomized controlled trial design. HMZ 2.0 is a multidosage, theoretically based, and individually tailored adaptive intervention that is delivered through a novel digital platform with an automated link of participant data to a new model-based predictive control algorithm to predict GWG. Our new control system computes individual dosage changes and produces personalized physical activity (PA) and energy intake (EI) strategies to deliver just-in-time dosage change recommendations to regulate GWG. Participants are 144 pregnant women with overweight or obesity randomized to an intervention (n=72) or attention control (n=72) group, stratified by prepregnancy BMI (<29.9 vs ?30 kg/m2), and they will participate from approximately 8 to 36 weeks of gestation. The sample size is based on GWG (primary outcome) and informed by our feasibility trial showing a 21\% reduction in GWG in the intervention group compared to the control group, with 3\% dropout. Secondary outcomes include PA, EI, sedentary and sleep behaviors, social cognitive determinants, adverse pregnancy and delivery outcomes, infant birth weight, and implementation outcomes. Analyses will include descriptive statistics, time series and fixed effects meta-analytic approaches, and mixed effects models. Results: Recruitment started in April 2024, and enrollment will continue through May 2027. The primary (GWG) and secondary (eg, maternal and infant health) outcome results will be analyzed, posted on ClinicalTrials.gov, and published after January 2028. Conclusions: Examining the efficacy of the novel HMZ 2.0 intervention in terms of GWG and secondary outcomes expands the boundaries of current GWG interventions and has high clinical and public health impact. There is excellent potential to further refine HMZ 2.0 to scale-up use of the novel digital platform by clinicians as an adjunct treatment in prenatal care to regulate GWG in all pregnant women. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/66637 ", doi="10.2196/66637", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e66637" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/59377, author="Gao, Jing and Jie, Xu and Yao, Yujun and Xue, Jingdong and Chen, Lei and Chen, Ruiyao and Chen, Jiayuan and Cheng, Weiwei", title="Fetal Birth Weight Prediction in the Third Trimester: Retrospective Cohort Study and Development of an Ensemble Model", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2025", month="Mar", day="10", volume="8", pages="e59377", keywords="fetal birthweight", keywords="ensemble learning model", keywords="machine learning", keywords="prediction model", keywords="ultrasonography", keywords="macrosomia", keywords="low birth weight", keywords="birth weight", keywords="fetal", keywords="AI", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="prenatal", keywords="prenatal care", keywords="Shanghai", keywords="neonatal", keywords="maternal", keywords="parental", abstract="Background: Accurate third-trimester birth weight prediction is vital for reducing adverse outcomes, and machine learning (ML) offers superior precision over traditional ultrasound methods. Objective: This study aims to develop an ML model on the basis of clinical big data for accurate prediction of birth weight in the third trimester of pregnancy, which can help reduce adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019, a retrospective cohort study involving 16,655 singleton live births without congenital anomalies (>28 weeks of gestation) was conducted in a tertiary first-class hospital in Shanghai. The initial set of data was divided into a train set for algorithm development and a test set on which the algorithm was divided in a ratio of 4:1. We extracted maternal and neonatal delivery outcomes, as well as parental demographics, obstetric clinical data, and sonographic fetal biometry, from electronic medical records. A total of 5 basic ML algorithms, including Ridge, SVM, Random Forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and Multi-Layer Perceptron, were used to develop the prediction model, which was then averaged into an ensemble learning model. The models were compared using accuracy, mean squared error, root mean squared error, and mean absolute error. International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital's Research Ethics Committee granted ethical approval for the usage of patient information (GKLW2021-20). Results: Train and test sets contained a total of 13,324 and 3331 cases, respectively. From a total of 59 variables, we selected 17 variables that were readily available for the ``few feature model,'' which achieved high predictive power with an accuracy of 81\% and significantly exceeded ultrasound formula methods. In addition, our model maintained superior performance for low birth weight and macrosomic fetal populations. Conclusions: Our research investigated an innovative artificial intelligence model for predicting fetal birth weight and maximizing health care resource use. In the era of big data, our model improves maternal and fetal outcomes and promotes precision medicine. ", doi="10.2196/59377", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e59377" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51517, author="Zadushlivy, Nina and Biviji, Rizwana and Williams, S. Karmen", title="Exploration of Reproductive Health Apps' Data Privacy Policies and the Risks Posed to Users: Qualitative Content Analysis", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2025", month="Mar", day="5", volume="27", pages="e51517", keywords="data privacy policy", keywords="reproductive health apps", keywords="Transparency, Health Content, Excellent Technical Content, Security/Privacy, Usability, Subjective", keywords="THESIS", keywords="THESIS evaluation", keywords="women's health", keywords="menstrual health", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="menstruating persons' health", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Mobile health apps often require the collection of identifiable information. Subsequently, this places users at significant risk of privacy breaches when the data are misused or not adequately stored and secured. These issues are especially concerning for users of reproductive health apps in the United States as protection of sensitive user information is affected by shifting governmental regulations such as the overruling of Roe v Wade and varying state-level abortion laws. Limited studies have analyzed the data privacy policies of these apps and considered the safety issues associated with a lack of user transparency and protection. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate popular reproductive health apps, assess their individual privacy policies, analyze federal and state data privacy laws governing these apps in the United States and the European Union (EU), and recommend best practices for users and app developers to ensure user data safety. Methods: In total, 4 popular reproductive health apps---Clue, Flo, Period Tracker by GP Apps, and Stardust---as identified from multiple web sources were selected through convenience sampling. This selection ensured equal representation of apps based in the United States and the EU, facilitating a comparative analysis of data safety practices under differing privacy laws. A qualitative content analysis of the apps and a review of the literature on data use policies, governmental data privacy regulations, and best practices for mobile app data privacy were conducted between January 2023 and July 2023. The apps were downloaded and systematically evaluated using the Transparency, Health Content, Excellent Technical Content, Security/Privacy, Usability, Subjective (THESIS) evaluation tool to assess their privacy and security practices. Results: The overall privacy and security scores for the EU-based apps, Clue and Flo, were both 3.5 of 5. In contrast, the US-based apps, Period Tracker by GP Apps and Stardust, received scores of 2 and 4.5, respectively. Major concerns regarding privacy and data security primarily involved the apps' use of IP address tracking and the involvement of third parties for advertising and marketing purposes, as well as the potential misuse of data. Conclusions: Currently, user expectations for data privacy in reproductive health apps are not being met. Despite stricter privacy policies, particularly with state-specific adaptations, apps must be transparent about data storage and third-party sharing even if just for marketing or analytical purposes. Given the sensitivity of reproductive health data and recent state restrictions on abortion, apps should minimize data collection, exceed encryption and anonymization standards, and reduce IP address tracking to better protect users. ", doi="10.2196/51517", url="https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e51517", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40053713" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/64171, author="Gaynor, Mathew and Hesketh, Kylie and Gebremariam, Kidane and Wynter, Karen and Laws, Rachel", title="Practicality of the My Baby Now App for Fathers by Fathers: Qualitative Case Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2025", month="Feb", day="21", volume="8", pages="e64171", keywords="fathers", keywords="parenting resources", keywords="health promotion", keywords="My Baby Now", keywords="MBN", keywords="app", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Evolving societal trends are resulting in fathers having an increasing influence on the health-related behaviors that children develop. Research shows that most fathers are committed to their role and when equipped with knowledge, can have a positive impact on their child's health. However, parenting resources typically target mothers, with fathers being excluded. While evolving mobile phone technology provides an efficient means for delivering parenting resources, many fathers find that mobile health (mHealth) technology does not provide material they can engage with. Objective: This study aimed to explore how to make parenting apps more engaging and useful for fathers using an existing parenting mHealth resource, the My Baby Now app, as a case study. Methods: A total of 14 purposefully selected, Australian fathers of 7 months to 5-year-old children took part in a qualitative study, comprising either focus groups or interviews. Recorded focus groups and interviews were transcribed verbatim, then coded using a combination of deductive and inductive methods. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken to identify patterns and themes. Results: Current parenting apps provide parenting information that can be unappealing for fathers. To improve paternal engagement with mHealth resources, fathers highlighted the need for father specific information, with an increase in positive imagery and positive descriptions of fathers in their parenting role. There should be father-exclusive domains such as forums, and also push notifications to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement for fathers. Conclusions: mHealth has the capacity to deliver information to fathers when needed. This reduces the risk of paternal frustration and disengagement from parenting. Further benefit will be gained by research to understand possible differences in mHealth app usage by fathers of differing socioeconomic position, cultural backgrounds, and family status, such as single fathers and same-sex couples. ", doi="10.2196/64171", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e64171", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39982774" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/60315, author="Knowles, Kayla and Lee, Susan and Yapalater, Sophia and Taylor, Maria and Akers, Y. Aletha and Wood, Sarah and Dowshen, Nadia", title="Simulation of Contraceptive Access for Adolescents and Young Adults Using a Pharmacist-Staffed e-Platform: Development, Usability, and Pilot Testing Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2025", month="Feb", day="19", volume="8", pages="e60315", keywords="adolescent", keywords="contraception", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="user-centered design", keywords="young adult", keywords="reproductive", keywords="design", keywords="usability", keywords="experience", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="app", keywords="youth", keywords="teenager", keywords="drug", keywords="pharmacology", keywords="pharmacotherapy", keywords="pharmaceutics", keywords="medication", keywords="pharmacy", keywords="digital health", keywords="platform", keywords="access", abstract="Background: Offering contraceptive methods at pharmacies without a prescription is an innovative solution to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies among adolescents and young adults (AYA). Pharmacy-prescribed contraception may increase the convenience, simplicity, and affordability of contraceptives. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop, pilot test, and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a telemedicine electronic platform app simulating pharmacist prescribing of contraceptives to AYA as well as assess agreement between pharmacist-simulated contraceptive approvals and contraception as prescribed in routine clinic visits. Methods: This study was conducted in two phases: (1) development and usability testing of a prototype app to simulate pharmacists prescribing contraceptives to AYA and (2) pilot testing the app in a simulation for AYA requesting contraception from a pharmacist with pharmacist review and request approval or rejection. Eligibility criteria in both phases included the following: assigned female sex at birth, age 15-21 years, seeking contraceptive services at an academic adolescent medicine clinic, prior history of or intention to have penile-vaginal intercourse in the next 12 months, smartphone ownership, and English language proficiency. Phase 1 (usability) involved a video-recorded ``think aloud'' interview to share feedback and technical issues while using the app prototype on a smartphone and the completion of sociodemographic, sexual history, and perception of the prototype surveys to further develop the app. Phase 2 (pilot) participants completed phase 1 surveys, tested the updated app in a simulation, and shared their experiences in an audio-recorded interview. Descriptive analyses were conducted for quantitative survey data, and thematic analyses were used for interview transcripts. Results: Of the 22 participants, 10 completed usability testing, with a mean age of 16.9 (SD 1.97) years, and 12 completed pilot testing, with a mean age of 18.25 (SD 1.48) years. Three issues with the prototype were identified during ``think aloud'' interviews: challenges in comprehension of medical language, prototype glitches, and graphic design suggestions for engagement. Usability testing guided the frontend and backend creation of the platform. Overall, participants agreed or strongly agreed that using an app to receive contraceptives would make it easier for teens to access (n=19, 86\%) and make contraceptive use less stigmatizing (n=19, 86\%). In addition, participants agreed that receiving contraception prescriptions from a pharmacist without a clinic visit would be safe (n=18, 82\%), convenient (n=19, 86\%), acceptable (n=18, 82\%), and easy (n=18, 82\%). Pharmacists and medical providers had 100\% agreement on the prescribed contraceptive method for pilot participants. Conclusions: AYA found contraceptive prescription by a pharmacist via an app to be highly acceptable and provided critical feedback to improve the design and delivery of the app. Additionally, pharmacist contraceptive approvals and contraception as prescribed in routine clinic visits were identical. ", doi="10.2196/60315", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e60315" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/66852, author="Asadollahi, Fateme and Ebrahimzadeh Zagami, Samira and Eslami, Saeid and Latifnejad Roudsari, Robab", title="Evaluating the Quality, Content Accuracy, and User Suitability of mHealth Prenatal Care Apps for Expectant Mothers: Critical Assessment Study", journal="Asian Pac Isl Nurs J", year="2025", month="Feb", day="13", volume="9", pages="e66852", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="prenatal care", keywords="mobile health apps", keywords="mHealth", keywords="women's health", keywords="health care providers", keywords="quality assessment", keywords="content evaluation", keywords="suitability assessment", keywords="digital health", keywords="smartphones", keywords="eHealth", keywords="telehealth", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="health promotion", keywords="technology", keywords="functionality", keywords="systematic search", abstract="Background: The proliferation of health apps in the digital health landscape has created significant opportunities for health promotion, particularly during pregnancy. However, despite the widespread distribution and popularity of pregnancy mobile apps, there are limited data on their quality and content. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality, content accuracy, and suitability of the most popular and freely available Persian mobile health (mHealth) apps for prenatal care in expectant mothers. Methods: Through a systematic search, a total of 199 apps were screened from available app stores using the search term ``pregnancy app'' until July 2023. Inclusion criteria were apps in the Farsi language, freely available, downloaded more than 10,000 times, and designed for pregnant women. Ultimately, 9 apps met these criteria. These apps were downloaded onto mobile phones and assessed by 2 independent reviewers using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), the Coverage and Depth of Information Checklist, and the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). Statistical analyses explored relationships between app quality metrics and user ratings. Results: The 9 apps evaluated had an average MARS score of 3.55 (SD 0.61) out of 5. Aesthetics (mean 4.02, SD 0.45) and Functionality (mean 4.11, SD 0.36) scored the highest, followed by Engagement (mean 3.29, SD 0.53) and Information (mean 3.09, SD 0.48). User star ratings did not strongly correlate with MARS scores (r=0.38, P>.05). Regarding health information coverage, 6 out of 9 (66.7\%) apps were rated as poor, and 3 (33.3\%) as adequate. For SAM, 4 (44.4\%) apps were rated as superior and 5 (55.6\%) as adequate. No app received a poor score. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for improved standards in pregnancy app development to enhance educational efficacy and user satisfaction. Health care providers should recommend high-quality pregnancy apps with appropriate content to ensure effective health promotion. These findings contribute to understanding the current landscape of pregnancy apps and highlight areas for future research and regulatory attention. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023461605; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display\_record.php?RecordID=461605 ", doi="10.2196/66852", url="https://apinj.jmir.org/2025/1/e66852" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/60825, author="Amhaz, Haneen and Chen, Xuanping Sally and Elchehimi, Amanee and Han, Jialin Kylin and Gil, Morales Jade and Yao, Lu and Vidler, Marianne and Berry-Einarson, Kathryn and Dewar, Kathryn and Tuason, May and Prestley, Nicole and Doan, Quynh and van Rooij, Tibor and Costa, Tina and Ogilvie, Gina and Payne, A. Beth", title="The Research Agenda for Perinatal Innovation and Digital Health Project: Human-Centered Approach to Multipartner Research Agenda Codevelopment", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2025", month="Jan", day="30", volume="12", pages="e60825", keywords="digital health", keywords="co-design", keywords="digital strategy", keywords="human-centered design", keywords="eHealth", keywords="cocreation", keywords="codevelopment", keywords="perinatal intervention", keywords="quality of care", keywords="digital tools", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="patient autonomy", keywords="patient support", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Digital health innovations provide an opportunity to improve access to care, information, and quality of care during the perinatal period, a critical period of health for mothers and infants. However, research to develop perinatal digital health solutions needs to be informed by actual patient and health system needs in order to optimize implementation, adoption, and sustainability. Objective: Our aim was to co-design a research agenda with defined research priorities that reflected health system realities and patient needs. Methods: Co-design of the research agenda involved a series of activities: (1) review of the provincial Digital Health Strategy and Maternity Services Strategy to identify relevant health system priorities, (2) anonymous survey targeting perinatal care providers to ascertain their current use and perceived need for digital tools, (3) engagement meetings using human-centered design methods with multilingual patients who are currently or recently pregnant to understand their health experiences and needs, and (4) a workshop that brought together patients and other project partners to prioritize identified challenges and opportunities for perinatal digital health in a set of research questions. These questions were grouped into themes using a deductive analysis approach starting with current BC Digital Health Strategy guiding principles. Results: Between September 15, 2022, and August 31, 2023, we engaged with more than 150 perinatal health care providers, researchers, and health system stakeholders and a patient advisory group of women who were recently pregnant to understand the perceived needs and priorities for digital innovation in perinatal care in British Columbia, Canada. As a combined group, partners were able to define 12 priority research questions in 3 themes. The themes prioritized are digital innovation for (1) patient autonomy and support, (2) standardized educational resources for patients and providers, and (3) improved access to health information. Conclusions: Our research agenda highlights the needs for perinatal digital health research to support improvements in the quality of care in British Columbia. By using a human-centered design approach, we were able to co-design research priorities that are meaningful to patients and health system stakeholders. The identified priority research questions are merely a stepping stone in the research process and now need to be actioned by research teams and health systems partners. ", doi="10.2196/60825", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e60825" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/56142, author="Muhammad, Shah and Soomro, Asif and Ahmed Khan, Samia and Najmi, Hina and Memon, Zahid and Ariff, Shabina and Soofi, Sajid and Bhutta, Ahmed Zufiqar", title="Scaling Up Kangaroo Mother Care Through a Facility Delivery Model in Rural Districts of Pakistan: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Jan", day="29", volume="14", pages="e56142", keywords="kangaroo mother care", keywords="scale up intervention", keywords="health facility", keywords="community", keywords="preterm infants", abstract="Background: The neonatal mortality rate in Pakistan is the third highest in Asia, with 8.6 million preterm babies. These newborns require warmth, nutrition, and infection protection, typically provided by incubators. However, the high maintenance and repair costs of incubators pose a barrier to accessibility for many premature and low birth weight neonates in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to implement a context-specific kangaroo mother care (KMC) model in Sanghar within secondary health care facilities and catchment communities. Objective: This study aims to achieve at least 80\% KMC coverage for premature and low birth weight neonates. Methods: This research uses a mixed methods design grounded in implementation science principles, with the goal of developing adaptive strategies tailored to district and facility managers, as well as health care workers, leveraging previous evidence on the benefits of KMC. The research is conducted in the district of Sanghar, Sindh with an emphasis on promoting KMC for infants weighing between 1200 and 2500 g in three facilities. It includes preimplementation data collection, training of health care providers and lady health workers, and intervention involving mother-baby skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding initiation, and postdischarge follow-ups. Ethical considerations and data management are prioritized, to improve KMC coverage and neonatal health outcomes. Results: This research will be implemented over a period of 18 months. The primary objective of this research is to achieve an 80\% improvement in KMC coverage, with the secondary objective to promote optimal breastfeeding practices among postpartum mothers. Key indicators include the proportion of eligible infants enrolled in KMC, the percentage of mother-baby pairs receiving skin-to-skin care postdischarge, and the duration of KMC during the neonatal period. Additionally, the study will assess exclusive breastfeeding rates, neonatal weight gain, and neonatal deaths within the cohort. The data management team will evaluate the effectiveness of the model in achieving the targeted KMC coverage. Conclusions: The integration of KMC into the health care system will provide valuable insights for policy makers regarding effective implementation and scaling strategies. The study's findings will highlight facilitators and barriers to KMC adoption, benefiting regions across Pakistan and globally. Additionally, these findings will offer valuable insights for the development of future newborn care programs. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/56142 ", doi="10.2196/56142", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e56142" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/60829, author="Karasek, Deborah and Williams, C. Jazzmin and Taylor, A. Michaela and De La Cruz, M. Monica and Arteaga, Stephanie and Bell, Sabra and Castillo, Esperanza and Chand, A. Maile and Coats, Anjeanette and Hubbard, M. Erin and Love-Goodlett, Latriece and Powell, Breezy and Spellen, Solaire and Malawa, Zea and Gomez, Manchikanti Anu", title="Designing the First Pregnancy Guaranteed Income Program in the United States: Qualitative Needs Assessment and Human-Centered Design to Develop the Abundant Birth Project", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Jan", day="27", volume="9", pages="e60829", keywords="maternal and child health", keywords="economics", keywords="public health", keywords="qualitative research methods", keywords="programs (evaluation and funding)", keywords="community-centered", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="first pregnancy", keywords="behavioral interventions", keywords="racial health", keywords="financial stress", keywords="Abundant Birth Project", keywords="infant health", keywords="infant", keywords="Black", abstract="Background: Racial inequities in pregnancy outcomes persist despite investments in clinical, educational, and behavioral interventions, indicating that a new approach is needed to address the root causes of health disparities. Guaranteed income during pregnancy has the potential to narrow racial health inequities for birthing people and infants by alleviating financial stress. Objective: We describe community-driven formative research to design the first pregnancy-guaranteed income program in the United States---the Abundant Birth Project (ABP). Informed by birth equity and social determinants of health perspectives, ABP targets upstream structural factors to improve racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Methods: The research team included community researchers, community members with lived experience as Black or Pacific Islander pregnant, and parenting people in the San Francisco Bay Area. The team conducted needs assessment interviews and facilitated focus groups with participants using human-centered design methods. Needs assessment participants later served as co-designers of the ABP program and research, sharing their experiences with financial hardships and government benefits programs and providing recommendations on key program elements, including fund disbursement, eligibility, and amount. Results: Housing affordability and the high cost of living in San Francisco emerged as significant sources of stress in pregnancy. Participants reported prohibitively low income eligibility thresholds and burdensome enrollment processes as challenges or barriers to existing social services. These insights guided the design of prototypes of ABP's program components, which were used in a design sprint to determine the final components. Based on this design process, the ABP program offered US \$1000/month for 12 months to pregnant Black and Pacific Islander people, selected through a lottery called an abundance drawing. Conclusions: The formative design process maximized community input and shared decision-making to co-design a guaranteed income program for Black and Pacific Islander women and people. Our upstream approach and community research model can inform the development of public health and social service programs. ", doi="10.2196/60829", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e60829" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58265, author="Rizzi, Silvia and Pavesi, Chiara Maria and Moser, Alessia and Paolazzi, Francesca and Marchesoni, Michele and Poggianella, Stefania and Gadotti, Erik and Forti, Stefano", title="A Mindfulness-Based App Intervention for Pregnant Women: Qualitative Evaluation of a Prototype Using Multiple Case Studies", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Jan", day="17", volume="9", pages="e58265", keywords="mindfulness", keywords="promoting well-being", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="eHealth", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile apps", keywords="development", keywords="usability", keywords="user-centered design", keywords="well-being", keywords="maternal health", keywords="digital health", keywords="intervention", keywords="design", keywords="preliminary testing", keywords="technology-based", keywords="interview", keywords="multidisciplinary approach", keywords="mother", keywords="women", keywords="WhatsApp", keywords="email", keywords="midwife", abstract="Background: Pregnancy is a complex period characterized by significant transformations. How a woman adapts to these changes can affect her quality of life and psychological well-being. Recently developed digital solutions have assumed a crucial role in supporting the psychological well-being of pregnant women. However, these tools have mainly been developed for women who already present clinically relevant psychological symptoms or mental disorders. Objective: This study aimed to develop a mindfulness-based well-being intervention for all pregnant women that can be delivered electronically and guided by an online assistant with wide reach and dissemination. This paper aimed to describe a prototype technology-based mindfulness intervention's design and development process for pregnant women, including the exploration phase, intervention content development, and iterative software development (including design, development, and formative evaluation of paper and low-fidelity prototypes). Methods: Design and development processes were iterative and performed in close collaboration with key stakeholders (N=15), domain experts including mindfulness experts (n=2), communication experts (n=2), and psychologists (n=3), and target users including pregnant women (n=2), mothers with young children (n=2), and midwives (n=4). User-centered and service design methods, such as interviews and usability testing, were included to ensure user involvement in each phase. Domain experts evaluated a paper prototype, while target users evaluated a low-fidelity prototype. Intervention content was developed by psychologists and mindfulness experts based on the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting program and adjusted to an electronic format through multiple iterations with stakeholders. Results: An 8-session intervention in a prototype electronic format using text, audio, video, and images was designed. In general, the prototypes were evaluated positively by the users involved. The questionnaires showed that domain experts, for instance, positively evaluated chatbot-related aspects such as empathy and comprehensibility of the terms used and rated the mindfulness traces present as supportive and functional. The target users found the content interesting and clear. However, both parties regarded the listening as not fully active. In addition, the interviews made it possible to pick up useful suggestions in order to refine the intervention. Domain experts suggested incorporating auditory components alongside textual content or substituting text entirely with auditory or audiovisual formats. Debate surrounded the inclusion of background music in mindfulness exercises, with opinions divided on its potential to either distract or aid in engagement. The target users proposed to supplement the app with some face-to-face meetings at crucial moments of the course, such as the beginning and the end. Conclusions: This study illustrates how user-centered and service designs can be applied to identify and incorporate essential stakeholder aspects in the design and development process. Combined with evidence-based concepts, this process facilitated the development of a mindfulness intervention designed for the end users, in this case, pregnant women. ", doi="10.2196/58265", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e58265" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/62847, author="Martin, M. Lindsay and McKinney, D. Christine and Escobar Acosta, Lia and Coughlin, W. Janelle and Jeffers, K. Noelene and Solano-Uma{\~n}a, Alexandra and Carson, A. Kathryn and Wang, Nae-Yuh and Bennett, L. Wendy and Bower, M. Kelly", title="Remote Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Postpartum Weight Retention: Protocol for a Community-Engaged Hybrid Type I Effectiveness-Implementation Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Jan", day="7", volume="14", pages="e62847", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="obesity", keywords="postpartum weight retention", keywords="remote lifestyle intervention", keywords="home visiting", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth app", keywords="community-engaged research", keywords="implementation science", keywords="health disparities", keywords="maternal health", abstract="Background: Maternal obesity is associated with significant racial disparities. People who identify as non-Hispanic Black and Latinx are at the highest risk related adverse short- and long-term health outcomes (eg, hypertension in pregnancy and postpartum weight retention). Remote lifestyle interventions delivered during and after pregnancy hold promise for supporting healthy weight outcomes; however, few are tested in groups of people who self-identify as non-Hispanic Black and Latinx or address the neighborhood-level and psychosocial factors driving maternal health disparities. Implementing remote lifestyle interventions within community-based programs that serve birthing people may optimize trust and engagement, promote scalability and sustainability, and have the broadest public health impact. Objective: The goal of this trial is to test the effectiveness of a culturally adapted remote lifestyle intervention (Healthy for Two--Home Visiting) implemented within home visiting compared to usual home visiting services on postpartum weight retention among pregnant or postpartum individuals, in particular those who identify as non-Hispanic Black and Latinx. Facilitators and barriers to implementation of the intervention within home visiting will be examined. Methods: We describe the rationale and protocol for this hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial. In this paper, we highlight the community-engaged approach and trial design features that enable the implementation of the intervention within home visiting and demonstrate its applicability to the target population. Participants will be 360 pregnant individuals with overweight or obesity enrolled between 20 and 33 weeks of gestation and randomized 1:1 to Healthy for Two--Home Visiting or usual home visiting services. The primary outcome is weight retention at 6 months post partum, calculated as 6-month postpartum weight minus earliest pregnancy weight (?18 wk of gestation). The measures of implementation include intervention feasibility, acceptability, reach, adoption, and fidelity. Throughout the paper, we highlight the community input used to improve intervention effectiveness and study implementation and as a strategy to promote maternal health equity. Results: This study was funded in June 2021, and recruitment began in April 2023. As of November 2024, we enrolled 90 participants. Data collection to assess the intervention's effectiveness is expected to end in June 2026. Implementation evaluation is expected to conclude in December 2026. Conclusions: This hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial integrates a culturally adapted remote lifestyle intervention into early home visiting services to examine its effectiveness on postpartum weight retention compared to usual home visiting. We anticipate that the study results will enable an understanding of the drivers of successful implementation within a community-based setting to maximize the future sustainability and dissemination of a strategy for reducing long-term obesity and other maternal health disparities. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05619705; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05619705 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/62847 ", doi="10.2196/62847", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e62847" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/63334, author="Dorney, Edwina and Hammarberg, Karin and Rodgers, Raymond and Black, I. Kirsten", title="Optimization of a Web-Based Self-Assessment Tool for Preconception Health in People of Reproductive Age in Australia: User Feedback and User-Experience Testing Study", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2024", month="Dec", day="24", volume="11", pages="e63334", keywords="technology", keywords="internet", keywords="eHealth", keywords="user experience", keywords="patient engagement", keywords="self-assessment tool", keywords="preconception", keywords="health communication", abstract="Background: Good preconception health reduces the incidence of preventable morbidity and mortality for women, their babies, and future generations. In Australia, there is a need to increase health literacy and awareness about the importance of good preconception health. Digital health tools are a possible enabler to increase this awareness at a population level. The Healthy Conception Tool (HCT) is an existing web-based, preconception health self-assessment tool, that has been developed by academics and clinicians. Objective: This study aims to optimize the HCT and to seek user feedback to increase the engagement and impact of the tool. Methods: In-depth interviews were held with women and men aged 18?41 years, who spoke and read English and were residing in Australia. Interview transcripts were analyzed, and findings were used to inform an enhanced HCT prototype. This prototype underwent user-experience testing and feedback from users to inform a final round of design changes to the tool. Results: A total of 20 women and 5 men were interviewed; all wanted a tool that was quick and easy to use with personalized results. Almost all participants were unfamiliar with the term ``preconception care'' and stated they would not have found this tool on the internet with its current title. User-experience testing with 6 women and 5 men identified 11 usability issues. These informed further changes to the tool's title, the information on how to use the tool, and the presentation of results. Conclusions: Web-based self-assessment tools need to be easy to find and should communicate health messages effectively. End users' feedback informed changes to improve the tool's acceptability, engagement, and impact. We expect that the revised tool will have greater reach and prompt more people to prepare well for pregnancy. ", doi="10.2196/63334", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2024/1/e63334" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/54366, author="Smit, JP Ashley and Al-Dhahir, Isra and Schiphof-Godart, Lieke and Breeman, D. Linda and Evers, WM Andrea and Joosten, FM Koen", title="Investigating eHealth Lifestyle Interventions for Vulnerable Pregnant Women: Scoping Review of Facilitators and Barriers", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Dec", day="20", volume="26", pages="e54366", keywords="eHealth", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="vulnerability", keywords="socioeconomic status", keywords="lifestyle intervention", keywords="intervention development", keywords="barriers", keywords="facilitators", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="PRISMA", abstract="Background: The maintenance of a healthy lifestyle significantly influences pregnancy outcomes. Certain pregnant women are more at risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors due to factors such as having a low socioeconomic position and low social capital. eHealth interventions tailored to pregnant women affected by these vulnerability factors can provide support and motivation for healthier choices. However, there is still a lack of insight into how interventions for this target group are best designed, used, and implemented and how vulnerable pregnant women are best reached. Objective: This review aimed to identify the strategies used in the design, reach, use, and implementation phases of eHealth lifestyle interventions for vulnerable pregnant women; assess whether these strategies acted as facilitators; and identify barriers that were encountered. Methods: We conducted a search on MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar for studies that described an eHealth intervention for vulnerable pregnant women focusing on at least one lifestyle component (diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, or sleep) and provided information on the design, reach, use, or implementation of the intervention. Results: The literature search identified 3904 records, of which 29 (0.74\%) met our inclusion criteria. These 29 articles described 20 eHealth lifestyle interventions, which were primarily delivered through apps and frequently targeted multiple lifestyle components simultaneously. Barriers identified in the design and use phases included financial aspects (eg, budgetary constraints) and technological challenges for the target group (eg, limited internet connectivity). In addition, barriers were encountered in reaching vulnerable pregnant women, including a lack of interest and time constraints among eligible participants and limited support from health care providers. Facilitators identified in the design and use phases included collaborating with the target group and other stakeholders (eg, health care providers), leveraging existing eHealth platforms for modifications or extensions, and adhering to clinical and best practice guidelines and behavior change frameworks. Furthermore, tailoring (eg, matching the content of the intervention to the target groups' norms and values) and the use of incentives (eg, payments for abstaining from unhealthy behavior) were identified as potential facilitators to eHealth use. Facilitators in the interventions' reach and implementation phases included stakeholder collaboration and a low workload for the intervention deliverers involved in these phases. Conclusions: This scoping review offers a comprehensive overview of strategies used in different phases of eHealth lifestyle interventions for vulnerable pregnant women, highlighting specific barriers and facilitators. Limited reporting on the impact of the strategies used and barriers encountered hinders a complete identification of facilitators and barriers. Nevertheless, this review sheds light on how to optimize the development of eHealth lifestyle interventions for vulnerable pregnant women, ultimately enhancing the health of both future mothers and their offspring. ", doi="10.2196/54366", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e54366" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51566, author="Huang, Yi-Yan and Wang, Rong and Huang, Wei-Peng and Wu, Tian and Wang, Shi-Yun and R. Redding, Sharon and Ouyang, Yan-Qiong", title="Effects of a Smartphone-Based Breastfeeding Coparenting Intervention Program on Breastfeeding-Related Outcomes in Couples During First Pregnancy: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Dec", day="17", volume="26", pages="e51566", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="co-parenting", keywords="randomized controlled", keywords="child", keywords="efficacy", keywords="depressive symptoms", abstract="Background: A low breastfeeding rate causes an increased health care burden and negative health outcomes for individuals and society. Coparenting is an essential tactic for encouraging breastfeeding when raising a child. The efficacy of the coparenting interventions in enhancing breastfeeding-related outcomes is controversial. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of coparenting interventions on exclusive breastfeeding rates, exclusive breastfeeding duration, breastfeeding knowledge, parenting sense of competence, coparenting relationships, depressive symptoms in new couples at 1 and 6 months post partum, and the BMI of infants 42 days post partum. Methods: This was a randomized, single-blinded controlled clinical trial. Eligible couples in late pregnancy in a hospital in central China were randomly assigned to 2 groups. While couples in the control group received general care, couples in the intervention group had access to parenting classes, a fathers' support group, and individual counseling. Data were collected at baseline (T0), 1 month post partum (T1), and 6 months post partum (T2). Data on exclusive breastfeeding rate and exclusive breastfeeding duration were analyzed using the chi-square, Fisher exact, or Mann-Whitney U tests; coparenting relationships and the infant's BMI were analyzed using an independent samples t test; and breastfeeding knowledge, parenting sense of competence, and depressive symptoms were analyzed using a generalized estimation equation. Results: A total of 96 couples were recruited, and 79 couples completed the study. The intervention group exhibited significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at T1 (90\% vs 65\%, P=.02) and T2 (43.6\% vs 22.5\%, P=.02), compared with the control group. Exclusive breastfeeding duration was extended in the intervention group than in the control group at T1 (30, range 30-30 days vs 30, range 26.5-30 days; P=.01) and T2 (108, range 60-180 days vs 89, range 28-149.3 days; P<.05). The intervention group exhibited greater improvements in maternal breastfeeding knowledge ($\beta$=.07, 95\% CI 0.006-0.13; P=.03) and maternal parenting sense of competence ($\beta$=5.49, 95\% CI 2.09-8.87; P<.01) at T1, enhanced coparenting relationships at T1 (P<.001) and T2 (P=.02), paternal breastfeeding knowledge at T2 ($\beta$=.25, 95\% CI 0.15-0.35, P<.001), paternal parenting sense of competence at T1 ($\beta$=5.35, 95\% CI 2.23-8.47, P<.01), and reduced paternal depressive symptoms at T2 ($\beta$=.25, 95\% CI 0.15-0.35, P<.001), and there was a rise in infants' BMI at 42 days post partum ($\beta$=.33, 95\% CI 0.01-0.64, P=.04). Conclusions: An evidence-based breastfeeding coparenting intervention is effective in improving exclusive breastfeeding rate, prolonging exclusive breastfeeding duration within the initial 6 months post partum, enhancing parental breastfeeding knowledge, levels of parenting sense of competence and coparenting relationship, infant's BMI, and reducing paternal depressive symptoms. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300069648; https://tinyurl.com/2p8st2p8 ", doi="10.2196/51566", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e51566" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58482, author="Ageng, Kidung and Inthiran, Anushia", title="Exploring Pregnancy-Related Information-Sharing Behavior Among First-Time Southeast Asian Fathers: Qualitative Semistructured Interview Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Dec", day="9", volume="7", pages="e58482", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="first-time fathers", keywords="information sharing", keywords="Southeast Asia", keywords="information-seeking behavior", keywords="cultural factors", abstract="Background: While the benefits of fathers' engagement in pregnancy are well researched, little is known about first-time expectant fathers' information-seeking practices in Southeast Asia regarding pregnancy. In addition, there is a notable gap in understanding their information-sharing behaviors during the pregnancy journey. This information is important, as cultural norms are prevalent in Southeast Asia, and this might influence their information-sharing behavior, particularly about pregnancy. Objective: This study aims to explore and analyze the pregnancy-related information-sharing behavior of first-time expectant fathers in Southeast Asia. This study specifically aims to investigate whether first-time fathers share pregnancy information, with whom they share it, through what means, and the reasons behind the decisions to share the information or not. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with first-time Southeast Asian fathers in Indonesia, a sample country in the Southeast Asian region. We analyzed the data using quantitative descriptive analysis and qualitative content theme analysis. A total of 40 first-time expectant fathers were interviewed. Results: The results revealed that 90\% (36/40) of the participants shared pregnancy-related information with others. However, within this group, more than half (22/40, 55\%) of the participants shared the information exclusively with their partners. Only a small proportion, 10\% (4/40), did not share any information at all. Among those who did share, the most popular approach was face-to-face communication (36/40, 90\%), followed by online messaging apps (26/40, 65\%). The most popular reason for sharing was to validate information (14/40, 35\%), while the most frequent reason for not sharing with anyone beyond their partner was because of the preference for asking for information rather than sharing (12/40, 30\%). Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the pregnancy-related information-sharing behaviors of first-time fathers in Southeast Asia. It enhances our understanding of how first-time fathers share pregnancy-related information and how local cultural norms and traditions influence these practices. In contrast to first-time fathers in high-income countries, the information-sharing behavior of first-time Southeast Asian fathers is defined by cultural nuances. Culture plays a crucial role in their daily decision-making processes. Therefore, this emphasizes the importance of cultural considerations in future discussions and the development of intervention programs related to pregnancy for first-time Southeast Asian fathers. In addition, this study sheds light on the interaction processes that first-time fathers engage in with others, highlighting areas where intervention programs may be necessary to improve their involvement during pregnancy. For example, first-time fathers actively exchange new information found with their partners; therefore, creating features or platforms that facilitate this process could improve their overall experience. Furthermore, health practitioners should take a more proactive approach in engaging with first-time fathers, as currently there is a communication gap between them. ", doi="10.2196/58482", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e58482" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/63454, author="Dol, Justine and Mselle, Teddy Lilian and Campbell-Yeo, Marsha and Mbekenga, Columba and Kohi, Thecla and McMillan, Douglas and Dennis, Cindy-Lee and Tomblin Murphy, Gail and Aston, Megan", title="Essential Coaching for Every Mother Tanzania (ECEM-TZ): Protocol for a Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="Dec", day="5", volume="13", pages="e63454", keywords="mobile health", keywords="maternal health", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="parenting self-efficacy", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="maternal", keywords="RCT", keywords="mother", keywords="text message", keywords="coaching", keywords="postnatal", keywords="newborn", keywords="child", keywords="low-income country", keywords="middle-income country", keywords="Africa", keywords="newborn care education", keywords="nurse midwife", keywords="Tanzania", abstract="Background: Despite global goals to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes, mortality and morbidity continue to be a concern, particularly during the postnatal period in low- and middle-income countries. While mothers have the responsibility of providing ongoing care for newborns at home, they often receive insufficient newborn care education in Tanzania. Mobile health via text messaging is an ever-growing approach that may address this gap and provide timely education. Objective: We aim to evaluate a text message intervention called Essential Coaching for Every Mother Tanzania (ECEM-TZ) to improve maternal access to essential newborn care education during the immediate 6-week postnatal period. Methods: ECEM-TZ consists of standardized text messages from birth to 6 weeks post partum that provide evidence-based information on caring for their newborn and recognizing danger signs. Messages were developed and then reviewed by Tanzanian mothers and nurse midwives before implementation. A hybrid type 1 randomized controlled trial will compare ECEM-TZ to standard care among mothers (n=124) recruited from 2 hospitals in Dar es Salaam. The effectiveness outcomes include newborn care knowledge, maternal self-efficacy, breastfeeding self-efficacy, maternal mental health, attendance at the 6-week postnatal checkup, and newborn morbidity and mortality. The implementation outcomes include the reach and quality of implementation of the ECEM-TZ intervention. Results: Recruitment for this study occurred between June 13, 2024, and July 22, 2024. A total of 143 participants were recruited, 71 in the control and 72 in the intervention. The 6-week follow-up data collection began on July 30, 2024, and was completed on September 21, 2024. Conclusions: This study will generate evidence about the effectiveness of implementing text messaging during the early postnatal period and the feasibility of doing so in 2 hospitals in Dar es Salaam. The intervention has been designed in collaboration with mothers and nurse midwives in Tanzania. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05362305; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05362305 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/63454 ", doi="10.2196/63454", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e63454" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/59844, author="Baer, J. Rebecca and Bandoli, Gretchen and Jelliffe-Pawlowski, Laura and Chambers, D. Christina", title="The University of California Study of Outcomes in Mothers and Infants (a Population-Based Research Resource): Retrospective Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2024", month="Dec", day="3", volume="10", pages="e59844", keywords="birth certificate", keywords="vital statistics", keywords="hospital discharge", keywords="administrative data", keywords="linkage", keywords="pregnancy outcome", keywords="birth outcome", keywords="infant outcome", keywords="adverse outcome", keywords="preterm birth", keywords="birth defects", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="prenatal", keywords="California", keywords="policy", keywords="disparities", keywords="children", keywords="data collection", abstract="Background: Population-based databases are valuable for perinatal research. The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) created a linked birth file covering the years 1991 through 2012. This file includes birth and fetal death certificate records linked to the hospital discharge records of the birthing person and infant. In 2019, the University of California Study of Outcomes in Mothers and Infants received approval to create similar linked birth files for births from 2011 onward, with 2 years of overlapping birth files to allow for linkage comparison. Objective: This paper aims to describe the University of California Study of Outcomes in Mothers and Infants linkage methodology, examine the linkage quality, and discuss the benefits and limitations of the approach. Methods: Live birth and fetal death certificates were linked to hospital discharge records for California infants between 2005 and 2020. The linkage algorithm includes variables such as birth hospital and date of birth, and linked record selection is made based on a ``link score.'' The complete file includes California Vital Statistics and HCAI hospital discharge records for the birthing person (1 y before delivery and 1 y after delivery) and infant (1 y after delivery). Linkage quality was assessed through a comparison of linked files and California Vital Statistics only. Comparisons were made to previous linked birth files created by the HCAI for 2011 and 2012. Results: Of the 8,040,000 live births, 7,427,738 (92.38\%) California Vital Statistics live birth records were linked to HCAI records for birthing people, 7,680,597 (95.53\%) birth records were linked to HCAI records for the infant, and 7,285,346 (90.61\%) California Vital Statistics birth records were linked to HCAI records for both the birthing person and the infant. The linkage rates were 92.44\% (976,526/1,056,358) for Asian and 86.27\% (28,601/33,151) for Hawaiian or Pacific Islander birthing people. Of the 44,212 fetal deaths, 33,355 (75.44\%) had HCAI records linked to the birthing person. When assessing variables in both California Vital Statistics and hospital records, the percentage was greatest when using both sources: the rates of gestational diabetes were 4.52\% (329,128/7,285,345) in the California Vital Statistics records, 8.2\% (597,534/7,285,345) in the HCAI records, and 9.34\% (680,757/7,285,345) when using both data sources. Conclusions: We demonstrate that the linkage strategy used for this data platform is similar in linkage rate and linkage quality to the previous linked birth files created by the HCAI. The linkage provides higher rates of crucial variables, such as diabetes, compared to birth certificate records alone, although selection bias from the linkage must be considered. This platform has been used independently to examine health outcomes, has been linked to environmental datasets and residential data, and has been used to obtain and examine maternal serum and newborn blood spots. ", doi="10.2196/59844", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e59844", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39625748" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53299, author="Perme, Natalie and Reid, Endia and Eluagu, Chinwenwa Macdonald and Thompson, John and Hebert, Courtney and Gabbe, Steven and Swoboda, Marie Christine", title="Development and Usability of the OHiFamily Mobile App to Enhance Accessibility to Maternal and Infant Information for Expectant Families in Ohio: Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Nov", day="8", volume="8", pages="e53299", keywords="health resources", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="patient engagement", keywords="mHealth", keywords="maternal", keywords="mobile health", keywords="app", keywords="focus group", keywords="landscape analysis", keywords="birth", keywords="preterm", keywords="premature", keywords="mortality", keywords="death", keywords="pediatric", keywords="infant", keywords="neonatal", keywords="design", keywords="development", keywords="obstetric", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: The Infant Mortality Research Partnership in Ohio is working to help pregnant individuals and families on Medicaid who are at risk for infant mortality and preterm birth. As part of this initiative, researchers at The Ohio State University worked to develop a patient-facing mobile app, OHiFamily, targeted toward, and created for, this population. To address the social determinants of health that can affect maternal and infant health, the app provides curated information on community resources, health care services, and educational materials in a format that is easily accessible and intended to facilitate contact between families and resources. The OHiFamily app includes 3 distinct features, that is, infant care logging (eg, feeding and diaper changes), curated educational resources, and a link to the curated Ohio resource database (CORD). This paper describes the development and assessment of the OHiFamily app as well as CORD. Objective: This study aimed to describe the development of the OHiFamily mobile app and CORD and the qualitative feedback received by the app's intended audience. Methods: The researchers performed a landscape analysis and held focus groups to determine the resources and app features of interest to Ohio families on Medicaid. Results: Participants from several focus groups were interested in an app that could offer community resources with contact information, information about medical providers and information and ways to contact them, health tips, and information about pregnancy and infant development. Feedback was provided by 9 participants through 3 focus group sessions. Using this feedback, the team created a curated resource database and mobile app to help users locate and access resources, as well as access education materials and infant tracking features. Conclusions: OHiFamily offers a unique combination of features and access to local resources for families on Medicaid in Ohio not seen in other smartphone apps. ", doi="10.2196/53299", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e53299" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/56247, author="Brinson, K. Alison and Jahnke, R. Hannah and Henrich, Natalie and Moss, Christa and Shah, Neel", title="Digital Health as a Mechanism to Reduce Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admissions: Retrospective Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Oct", day="16", volume="7", pages="e56247", keywords="digital health", keywords="education", keywords="gestational conditions", keywords="Maven Clinic", keywords="mental health management", keywords="neonatal", keywords="NICU admissions", keywords="neonatal intensive care unit", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is costly and has been associated with financial and emotional stress among families. Digital health may be well equipped to impact modifiable health factors that contribute to NICU admission rates. Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate how the use of a comprehensive prenatal digital health platform is associated with gestational age at birth and mechanisms to reduce the risk of admission to the NICU. Methods: Data were extracted from 3326 users who enrolled in a comprehensive digital health platform between January 2020 and May 2022. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between hours of digital health use and (1) gestational age at birth and (2) mechanisms to reduce the risk of a NICU admission. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the associations between (1) gestational age at birth and (2) mechanisms to reduce the risk of a NICU admission and the likelihood of a NICU admission. All analyses were stratified by the presence of any gestational conditions during pregnancy. Results: For users both with and without gestational conditions, hours of digital health use were positively associated with gestational age at birth (in weeks; with gestational conditions: $\beta$=.01; 95\% CI 0.0006-0.02; P=.04 and without gestational conditions: $\beta$=.01; 95\% CI 0.0006-0.02; P=.04) and mechanisms that have the potential to reduce risk of a NICU admission, including learning medically accurate information (with gestational conditions: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.05, 95\% CI 1.03-1.07; P<.001 and without gestational conditions: AOR 1.04, 95\% CI 1.02-1.06; P<.001), mental health management (with gestational conditions: AOR 1.06, 95\% CI 1.04-1.08; P<.001 and without gestational conditions: AOR 1.03, 95\% CI 1.02-1.05; P<.001), and understanding warning signs during pregnancy (with gestational conditions: AOR 1.08, 95\% CI 1.06-1.11; P<.001 and without gestational conditions: AOR 1.09, 95\% CI 1.07-1.11; P<.001). For users with and without gestational conditions, an increase in gestational age at birth was associated with a decreased likelihood of NICU admission (with gestational conditions: AOR 0.62, 95\% CI 0.55-0.69; P<.001 and without gestational conditions: AOR 0.59, 95\% CI 0.53-0.65; P<.001). Among users who developed gestational conditions, those who reported that the platform helped them understand warning signs during pregnancy had lower odds of a NICU admission (AOR 0.63, 95\% CI 0.45-0.89; P=.01). Conclusions: Digital health use may aid in extending gestational age at birth and reduce the risk of NICU admission. ", doi="10.2196/56247", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e56247" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53786, author="Barnwell, Julia and H{\'e}nault Robert, Cindy and Nguyen, Tuong-Vi and Davis, P. Kelsey and Gratton, Chlo{\'e} and Elgbeili, Guillaume and Pham, Hung and Meaney, J. Michael and Montreuil, C. Tina and O'Donnell, J. Kieran", title="Predictors of Participation in a Perinatal Text Message Screening Protocol for Maternal Depression and Anxiety: Prospective Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Oct", day="3", volume="7", pages="e53786", keywords="perinatal mental health", keywords="digital screening", keywords="maternal depression", keywords="maternal anxiety", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Universal screening for depression and anxiety in pregnancy has been recommended by several leading medical organizations, but the implementation of such screening protocols may overburden health care systems lacking relevant resources. Text message screening may provide a low-cost, accessible alternative to in-person screening assessments. However, it is critical to understand who is likely to participate in text message--based screening protocols before such approaches can be implemented at the population level. Objective: This study aimed to examine sources of selection bias in a texting--based screening protocol that assessed symptoms of depression and anxiety across pregnancy and into the postpartum period. Methods: Participants from the Montreal Antenatal Well-Being Study (n=1130) provided detailed sociodemographic information and completed questionnaires assessing symptoms of depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]) and anxiety (State component of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI-S]) at baseline between 8 and 20 weeks of gestation (mean 14.5, SD 3.8 weeks of gestation). Brief screening questionnaires, more suitable for delivery via text message, assessing depression (Whooley Questions) and anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-Item questionnaire) were also collected at baseline and then via text message at 14-day intervals. Two-tailed t tests and Fisher tests were used to identify maternal characteristics that differed between participants who responded to the text message screening questions and those who did not. Hurdle regression models were used to test if individuals with a greater burden of depression and anxiety at baseline responded to fewer text messages across the study period. Results: Participants who responded to the text messages (n=933) were more likely than nonrespondents (n=114) to self-identify as White (587/907, 64.7\% vs 39/96, 40.6\%; P<.001), report higher educational attainment (postgraduate: 268/909, 29.5\% vs 15/94, 16\%; P=.005), and report higher income levels (CAD \$150,000 [a currency exchange rate of CAD \$1=US \$0.76 is applicable] or more: 176/832, 21.2\% vs 10/84, 11.9\%; P<.001). There were no significant differences in symptoms of depression and anxiety between the 2 groups at baseline or postpartum. However, baseline depression (EPDS) or anxiety (STAI-S) symptoms did predict the total number of text message time points answered by participants, corresponding to a decrease of 1\% (e$\beta$=0.99; P<.001) and 0.3\% (e$\beta$=0.997; P<.001) in the number of text message time points answered per point increase in EPDS or STAI-S score, respectively. Conclusions: Findings from this study highlight the feasibility of text message--based screening protocols with high participation rates. However, our findings also highlight how screening and service delivery via digital technology could exacerbate disparities in mental health between certain patient groups. ", doi="10.2196/53786", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e53786", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39361419" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/59191, author="Delaney, Tessa and Jackson, K. Jacklyn and Brown, L. Alison and Lecathelinais, Christophe and Wolfenden, Luke and Hudson, Nayerra and Young, Sarah and Groombridge, Daniel and Pinfold, Jessica and Craven, David Paul and Redman, Sinead and Wiggers, John and Kingsland, Melanie and Hayes, Margaret and Sutherland, Rachel", title="Perceived Acceptability of Technology Modalities for the Provision of Universal Child and Family Health Nursing Support in the First 6-8 Months After Birth: Cross-Sectional Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Sep", day="24", volume="7", pages="e59191", keywords="maternal", keywords="postnatal", keywords="postpartum", keywords="acceptability", keywords="technology", keywords="digital health", keywords="first 2000 days", keywords="child health", keywords="experience", keywords="experiences", keywords="attitude", keywords="attitudes", keywords="opinion", keywords="perception", keywords="perceptions", keywords="perspective", keywords="perspectives", keywords="acceptance", keywords="cross sectional", keywords="survey", keywords="surveys", keywords="questionnaire", keywords="questionnaires", keywords="pediatric", keywords="pediatrics", keywords="infant", keywords="infants", keywords="infancy", keywords="baby", keywords="babies", keywords="neonate", keywords="neonates", keywords="neonatal", keywords="newborn", keywords="newborns", keywords="nurse", keywords="nurses", keywords="nursing", abstract="Background: Child and Family Health Nursing (CFHN) services provide universal care to families during the first 2000 days (conception: 5 years) to support optimal health and developmental outcomes of children in New South Wales, Australia. The use of technology represents a promising means to encourage family engagement with CFHN services and enable universal access to evidenced-based age and stage information. Currently, there is little evidence exploring the acceptability of various models of technology-based support provided during the first 2000 days, as well as the maternal characteristics that may influence this. Objective: This study aims to describe (1) the acceptability of technology-based models of CFHN support to families in the first 6 months, and (2) the association between the acceptability of technology-based support and maternal characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken between September and November 2021 with women who were 6-8 months post partum within the Hunter New England Local Health District of New South Wales, Australia. Survey questions collected information on maternal demographics and pregnancy characteristics, perceived stress, access to CFHN services, as well as preferences and acceptability of technology-based support. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the sample, the proportion of women accessing CFHN services, maternal acceptability of technology-based support from CFHN services, and the appropriateness of timing of support. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to assess the association between maternal characteristics and the acceptability of technology-based CFHN support. Results: A total of 365 women participated in the study, most were 25 to 34 years old (n=242, 68\%), had completed tertiary level education or higher (n=250, 71\%), and were employed or on maternity leave (n=280, 78\%). Almost all (n=305, 89\%) women reported accessing CFHN services in the first 6 months following their child's birth. The majority of women (n=282-315, 82\%-92\%) ``strongly agreed or agreed'' that receiving information from CFHN via technology would be acceptable, and most (n=308) women ``strongly agreed or agreed'' with being provided information on a variety of relevant health topics. Acceptability of receiving information via websites was significantly associated with maternal employment status (P=.01). The acceptability of receiving support via telephone and email was significantly associated with maternal education level (adjusted odds ratio 2.64, 95\% CI 1.07-6.51; P=.03 and adjusted odds ratio 2.90, 95\% CI 1.20-7.00; P=.02, respectively). Maternal age was also associated with the acceptability of email support (P=.04). Conclusions: Technology-based CFHN support is generally acceptable to mothers. Maternal characteristics, including employment status, education level, and age, were found to modify the acceptability of specific technology modalities. The findings of this research should be considered when designing technology-based solutions to providing universal age and stage child health and developmental support for families during the first 2000 days. ", doi="10.2196/59191", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e59191", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39316424" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/54323, author="Isangula, Ganka Kahabi and Usiri, Itaeli Aminieli and Pallangyo, Siaity Eunice", title="Capitalizing on Community Groups to Improve Women's Resilience to Maternal and Child Health Challenges: Protocol for a Human-Centered Design Study in Tanzania", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="Sep", day="10", volume="13", pages="e54323", keywords="maternal and child health", keywords="maternal and child deaths", keywords="human-centered design", keywords="income generating associations", keywords="sub-Saharan Africa", keywords="Tanzania", keywords="community groups", keywords="community", keywords="capitalizing", keywords="resilience", keywords="maternal deaths", keywords="neonatal deaths", keywords="mortality", keywords="co-design", abstract="Background: Maternal and neonatal deaths remain a major public health issue worldwide. Income Generation Associations (IGAs) could form a critical entry point to addressing poverty-related contributors. However, there have been limited practical interventions to leverage the power of IGAs in addressing the challenges associated with maternal care and childcare. Objective: This study aims to co-design an intervention package with women in IGAs to improve their readiness and resilience to address maternal and child health (MCH) challenges using a human-centered design approach. Methods: The study will use a qualitative descriptive design with purposefully selected women in IGAs and key MCH stakeholders in the Shinyanga and Arusha Regions of Tanzania. A 4-step adaptation of the human-centered design process will be used involving (1) mapping of IGAs and exploring their activities, level of women's engagement, and MCH challenges faced; (2) co-designing of the intervention package to address identified MCH challenges or needs considering the perceived acceptability, feasibility, and sustainability; (3) validation of the emerging intervention package through gathering insights of women in IGAs who did not take part in initial steps; and (4) refinement of the intervention package with MCH stakeholders based on the validation findings. Results: The participants, procedures, and findings of each co-design step will be presented. More specifically, MCH challenges facing women in IGAs, a list of potential solutions proposed, and the emerging prototype will be presented. As of August 2024, we have completed the co-design of the intervention package and are preparing validation. The findings from the validation of the emerging prototype with a new group of women in IGAs and its refinement through multistakeholder engagement will be presented. A final co-designed intervention package with the potential to improve women's resilience and readiness to handle MCH challenges will be generated. Conclusions: The emerging intervention package will be discussed given relevant literature on the topic. We believe that subsequent testing and refinement of the package could form the basis for scaling up to broader settings and that the package could then be promoted as one of the key strategies in addressing MCH challenges facing women in low- and middle-income countries. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/54323 ", doi="10.2196/54323", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e54323" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46531, author="Zahroh, Islamiah Rana and Cheong, Marc and Hazfiarini, Alya and Vazquez Corona, Martha and Ekawati, Murriya Fitriana and Emilia, Ova and Homer, SE Caroline and Betr{\'a}n, Pilar Ana and Bohren, A. Meghan", title="The Portrayal of Cesarean Section on Instagram: Mixed Methods Social Media Analysis", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Sep", day="6", volume="8", pages="e46531", keywords="cesarean section", keywords="social media analysis", keywords="maternal health", keywords="childbirth", keywords="mode of birth", keywords="instagram", abstract="Background: Cesarean section (CS) rates in Indonesia are rapidly increasing for both sociocultural and medical reasons. However, there is limited understanding of the role that social media plays in influencing preferences regarding mode of birth (vaginal or CS). Social media provides a platform for users to seek and exchange information, including information on the mode of birth, which may help unpack social influences on health behavior. Objective: This study aims to explore how CS is portrayed on Instagram in Indonesia. Methods: We downloaded public Instagram posts from Indonesia containing CS hashtags and extracted their attributes (image, caption, hashtags, and objects and texts within images). Posts were divided into 2 periods---before COVID-19 and during COVID-19---to examine changes in CS portrayal during the pandemic. We used a mixed methods approach to analysis using text mining, descriptive statistics, and qualitative content analysis. Results: A total of 9978 posts were analyzed quantitatively, and 720 (7.22\%) posts were sampled and analyzed qualitatively. The use of text (527/5913, 8.91\% vs 242/4065, 5.95\%; P<.001) and advertisement materials (411/5913, 6.95\% vs 83/4065, 2.04\%; P<.001) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic, indicating growth of information sharing on CS over time. Posts with CS hashtags primarily promoted herbal medicine for faster recovery and services for choosing auspicious childbirth dates, encouraging elective CS. Some private health facilities offered discounts on CS for special events such as Mother's Day and promoted techniques such as enhanced recovery after CS for comfortable, painless birth, and faster recovery after CS. Hashtags related to comfortable or painless birth (2358/5913, 39.88\% vs 278/4065, 6.84\%; P<.001), enhanced recovery after CS (124/5913, 2.1\% vs 0\%; P<.001), feng shui services (110/5913, 1.86\% vs 56/4065, 1.38\%; P=.03), names of health care providers (2974/5913, 50.3\% vs 304/4065, 7.48\%; P<.001), and names of hospitals (1460/5913, 24.69\% vs 917/4065, 22.56\%; P=.007) were more prominent during compared to before the pandemic. Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity of enforcing advertisement regulations regarding birth-related medical services in the commercial and private sectors. Enhanced health promotion efforts are crucial to ensure that women receive accurate, balanced, and appropriate information about birth options. Continuous and proactive health information dissemination from government organizations is essential to counteract biases favoring CS over vaginal birth. ", doi="10.2196/46531", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e46531" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55411, author="Piris-Borregas, Salvador and Bell{\'o}n-Vaquerizo, Beatriz and Velasco-Echebur{\'u}a, Leticia and Ni{\~n}o-D{\'i}az, Lidia and S{\'a}nchez-Aparicio, Susana and L{\'o}pez-Maestro, Mar{\'i}a and Pall{\'a}s-Alonso, Rosa Carmen", title="Parental Autonomy in the Care of Premature Newborns and the Experience of a Neonatal Team: Observational Prospective Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Aug", day="30", volume="7", pages="e55411", keywords="family-centered care", keywords="neonatal intensive care unit", keywords="kangaroo mother care", keywords="mother", keywords="mothers", keywords="parent", keywords="parents", keywords="parental", keywords="ICU", keywords="intensive care", keywords="training", keywords="education", keywords="educational", keywords="premature", keywords="pediatric", keywords="pediatrics", keywords="paediatric", keywords="paediatrics", keywords="infant", keywords="infants", keywords="infancy", keywords="baby", keywords="babies", keywords="neonate", keywords="neonates", keywords="neonatal", keywords="newborn", keywords="newborns", keywords="intensive care unit", abstract="Background: The European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) has promoted the importance of parental involvement in the care of children. Objective: The study aimed to examine how the time required by parents to achieve autonomy in the care of their very low--birth weight newborn infants was modified during the implementation of a training program. Methods: This was an observational prospective study in the context of a quality improvement initiative. The Cu{\'i}dame (meaning ``Take Care of Me'' in English) program was aimed at achieving parental autonomy. It was implemented over 2 periods: period 1, from September 1, 2020, to June 15, 2021; and period 2, from July 15, 2021, to May 31, 2022. The days required by parents to achieve autonomy in several areas of care were collected from the electronic health system. Results: A total of 54 and 43 families with newborn infants were recruited in periods 1 and 2, respectively. Less time was required to acheive autonomy in period 2 for participation in clinical rounds (median 10.5, IQR 5?20 vs 7, IQR 4?10.5 d; P<.001), feeding (median 53.5, IQR 34?68 vs 44.5, IQR 37?62 d; P=.049), and observation of neurobehavior (median 18, IQR 9?33 vs 11, IQR 7?16 d; P=.049). More time was required to achieve autonomy for kangaroo mother care (median 14, IQR 7?23 vs 21, IQR 10?31 d; P=.02), diaper change (median 9.5, IQR 4?20 vs 14.5, IQR 9?32 d; P=.04), and infection prevention (median 1, IQR 1?2 vs 6, IQR 3?12; P<.001). Conclusions: Parents required less time to achieve autonomy for participation in clinical rounds, feeding, and observation of neurobehavior during the implementation of the training program. Nevertheless, they required more time to achieve autonomy for kangaroo mother care, diaper change, and infection prevention. ", doi="10.2196/55411", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e55411" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58653, author="Mancinelli, Elisa and Magnolini, Simone and Gabrielli, Silvia and Salcuni, Silvia", title="A Chatbot (Juno) Prototype to Deploy a Behavioral Activation Intervention to Pregnant Women: Qualitative Evaluation Using a Multiple Case Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Aug", day="14", volume="8", pages="e58653", keywords="chatbot prototype", keywords="co-design", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="prevention", keywords="behavioral activation", keywords="multiple case study", abstract="Background: Despite the increasing focus on perinatal care, preventive digital interventions are still scarce. Furthermore, the literature suggests that the design and development of these interventions are mainly conducted through a top-down approach that limitedly accounts for direct end user perspectives. Objective: Building from a previous co-design study, this study aimed to qualitatively evaluate pregnant women's experiences with a chatbot (Juno) prototype designed to deploy a preventive behavioral activation intervention. Methods: Using a multiple--case study design, the research aims to uncover similarities and differences in participants' perceptions of the chatbot while also exploring women's desires for improvement and technological advancements in chatbot-based interventions in perinatal mental health. Five pregnant women interacted weekly with the chatbot, operationalized in Telegram, following a 6-week intervention. Self-report questionnaires were administered at baseline and postintervention time points. About 10-14 days after concluding interactions with Juno, women participated in a semistructured interview focused on (1) their personal experience with Juno, (2) user experience and user engagement, and (3) their opinions on future technological advancements. Interview transcripts, comprising 15 questions, were qualitatively evaluated and compared. Finally, a text-mining analysis of transcripts was performed. Results: Similarities and differences have emerged regarding women's experiences with Juno, appreciating its esthetic but highlighting technical issues and desiring clearer guidance. They found the content useful and pertinent to pregnancy but differed on when they deemed it most helpful. Women expressed interest in receiving increasingly personalized responses and in future integration with existing health care systems for better support. Accordingly, they generally viewed Juno as an effective momentary support but emphasized the need for human interaction in mental health care, particularly if increasingly personalized. Further concerns included overreliance on chatbots when seeking psychological support and the importance of clearly educating users on the chatbot's limitations. Conclusions: Overall, the results highlighted both the positive aspects and the shortcomings of the chatbot-based intervention, providing insight into its refinement and future developments. However, women stressed the need to balance technological support with human interactions, particularly when the intervention involves beyond preventive mental health context, to favor a greater and more reliable monitoring. ", doi="10.2196/58653", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e58653" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58580, author="Mollard, Elizabeth and Cooper Owens, Deirdre and Bach, Christina and Gaines, Cydney and Maloney, Shannon and Moore, Tiffany and Wichman, Christopher and Shah, Neel and Balas, Michele", title="Protective Assets Reinforced With Integrated Care and Technology (PARITY): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="Aug", day="8", volume="13", pages="e58580", keywords="maternal health", keywords="health disparities", keywords="doula", keywords="African American", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Black women are significantly more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and are 3 times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women. Using a strengths-based wellness approach within an integrated supportive care program provided by a community doula could offer pragmatic solutions for Black maternal disparities. The Protective Assets Reinforced with Integrated Care and Technology (PARITY) program consists of a wellness technology platform, including informational links to wellness content and reinforcing motivational SMS text messages, as well as community-based doula support delivered both in person and through the technology platform to improve Black maternal wellness. Objective: This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and mixed methods evaluation aims to (1) determine the feasibility and acceptability of the PARITY intervention; (2) investigate the preliminary efficacy of the PARITY intervention on clinical outcomes (maternal blood pressure, gestational weight gain, and cesarean birth); and (3) investigate changes to wellness behavioral outcomes (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and health care adherence) and empowered strengths (self-efficacy, social support, motivation, resilience, problem-solving, and self-regulation) in the intervention group compared to a control group. Methods: A 2-arm RCT and mixed methods evaluation will be conducted. Overall, 60 Black pregnant individuals will be randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to either the intervention or informational control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive access to the technology platform over a 12-week period that ends before birth. Intervention participants will be assigned a doula interventionist, who will meet with them 4 times during the intervention. All participants (intervention and control) will receive a referral for a birth doula at no cost, printed materials about having a healthy pregnancy, and community resources. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed at the end of the program. Measures will be obtained at baseline (20-28 weeks), the 36th week of pregnancy, birth, and 6-12 weeks post partum. Summary statistics and distribution plots will be used to describe measured variables at each time point. A generalized linear mixed model with a shared random component will be used to analyze the effects of PARITY on clinical, wellness behavioral, and empowered strength outcomes, including baseline nutrition, physical activity, and sleep measures as covariates. For significant effects, post hoc contrasts will be adjusted using the Holm method to maintain comparison-wise error at or <.05. Missing data will be addressed using a pattern-mixture model. Results: The National Institute of Nursing Research funded this pilot RCT. Recruitment, enrollment, and data collection are ongoing, and the estimated study completion date is October 2024. Conclusions: The expected results of this study will provide the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the PARITY intervention, to be used in a larger trial with a 12-month PARITY program intervention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05802615; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05802615 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/58580 ", doi="10.2196/58580", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e58580" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/52395, author="Bulcha, Gebeyehu and Abdissa, Gutema Hordofa and Noll, Josef and Sori, Amenu Demisew and Koricha, Birhanu Zewdie", title="Effectiveness of a Mobile Phone Messaging--Based Message Framing Intervention for Improving Maternal Health Service Uptake and Newborn Care Practice in Rural Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="Jul", day="23", volume="13", pages="e52395", keywords="message framing", keywords="mHealth", keywords="digital health", keywords="SMS", keywords="maternal health", keywords="newborn health", keywords="cluster randomized controlled trials", keywords="RCT", keywords="Ethiopia", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="SMS-based interventions", keywords="text messaging", keywords="maternal", keywords="newborn care practice", keywords="randomized", keywords="controlled trial", keywords="controlled trials", keywords="mobile phone messaging", keywords="phone-based intervention", abstract="Background: Ethiopia has high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. In 2019 and 2020, the maternal and newborn mortality rates were estimated at 412 per 1,000,000 births and 30 per 10,000 births, respectively. While mobile health interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health management have shown promising results, there are still insufficient scientific studies to assess the effectiveness of mobile phone messaging--based message framing for maternal and newborn health. Objective: This research aims to examine the effectiveness of mobile phone messaging--based message framing for improving the use of maternal and newborn health services in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: A 3-arm cluster-randomized trial design was used to evaluate the effects of mobile phone--based intervention on maternal and newborn health service usage. The trial arms were (1) gain-framed messages (2) loss-framed messages, and (3) usual care. A total of 21 health posts were randomized, and 588 pregnant women who had a gestational age of 16-20 weeks, irrespective of their antenatal care status, were randomly assigned to the trial arms. The intervention consisted of a series of messages dispatched from the date of enrolment until 6-8 months. The control group received existing care without messages. The primary outcomes were maternal health service usage and newborn care practice, while knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, iron supplementation, and neonatal and maternal morbidity were secondary outcomes. The outcomes will be analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model and the findings will be reported according to the CONSORT-EHEALTH (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials of Electronic and Mobile HEalth Applications and onLine TeleHealth) statement for randomized controlled trials. Results: Recruitment of participants was conducted and the baseline survey was administered in March 2023. The intervention was rolled out from May 2023 till December 2023. The end-line assessment was conducted in February 2024. Conclusions: This trial was carried out to understand how mobile phone--based messaging can improve maternal and newborn health service usage. It provides evidence for policy guidelines around mobile health strategies to improve maternal and newborn health. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR202201753436676; https://tinyurl.com/ykhnpc49 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/52395 ", doi="10.2196/52395", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e52395" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49367, author="Li, Qin and Kanduma, Elsa and Ramiro, Isa{\'i}as and Xu, (Roman) Dong and Cuco, Manjate Rosa Marlene and Chaquisse, Eusebio and Yang, Yili and Wang, Xiuli and Pan, Jay", title="Spatial Access to Continuous Maternal and Perinatal Health Care Services in Low-Resource Settings: Cross-Sectional Study", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2024", month="Jul", day="18", volume="10", pages="e49367", keywords="continuous maternal and perinatal health care services", keywords="sub-Saharan Africa", keywords="SSA", keywords="spatial access", keywords="resource allocation", keywords="low-resource settings", abstract="Background: Maternal and perinatal health are fundamental to human development. However, in low-resource settings such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), significant challenges persist in reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality. To achieve the targets of the sustainable development goal 3 (SDG3) and universal health coverage (UHC), improving access to continuous maternal and perinatal health care services (CMPHS) has been addressed as a critical strategy. Objective: This study aims to provide a widely applicable procedure to illuminate the current challenges in ensuring access to CMPHS for women of reproductive age. The findings are intended to inform targeted recommendations for prioritizing resource allocation and policy making in low-resource settings. Methods: In accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines and existing literature, and taking into account the local context of CMPHS delivery to women of reproductive age in Mozambique, we first proposed the identification of CMPHS as the continuum of 3 independent service packages, namely antenatal care (ANC), institutional delivery (ID), and postnatal care (PNC). Then, we used the nearest-neighbor method (NNM) to assess spatial access to each of the 3 service packages. Lastly, we carried out an overlap analysis to identify 8 types of resource-shortage zones. Results: The median shortest travel times for women of reproductive age to access ANC, ID, and PNC were 2.38 (IQR 1.38-3.89) hours, 3.69 (IQR 1.87-5.82) hours, and 4.16 (IQR 2.48-6.67) hours, respectively. Spatial barriers for women of reproductive age accessing ANC, ID, and PNC demonstrated large variations both among and within regions. Maputo City showed the shortest travel time and the best equity within the regions (0.46, IQR 0.26-0.69 hours; 0.74, IQR 0.47-1.04 hours; and 1.34, IQR 0.83-1.85 hours, respectively), while the provinces of Niassa (4.07, IQR 2.41-6.63 hours; 18.20, IQR 11.67-24.65 hours; and 7.69, IQR 4.74-13.05 hours, respectively) and Inhambane (2.69, IQR 1.49-3.91 hours; 4.43, IQR 2.37-7.16 hours; and 10.76, IQR 7.73-13.66 hours, respectively) lagged behind significantly in both aspects. In general, more than 51\% of the women of reproductive age, residing in 83.25\% of Mozambique's land area, were unable to access any service package of CMPHS in time (within 2 hours), while only about 21\%, living in 2.69\% of Mozambique's land area, including Maputo, could access timely CMPHS. Conclusions: The spatial accessibility and equity of CMPHS in Mozambique present significant challenges in achieving SDG3 and UHC, especially in the Inhambane and Niassa regions. For Inhambane, policy makers should prioritize the implementation of a decentralization allocation strategy to increase coverage and equity through upgrading existing health care facilities. For Niassa, the cultivation of well-trained midwives who can provide door-to-door ANC and PNC at home should be prioritized, with an emphasis on strengthening communities' engagement. The proposed 2-step procedure should be implemented in other low-resource settings to promote the achievement of SDG3. ", doi="10.2196/49367", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e49367" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57128, author="Furusho, Miku and Noda, Minami and Sato, Yoko and Suetsugu, Yoshiko and Morokuma, Seiichi", title="Association Between Gestational Weeks, Initial Maternal Perception of Fetal Movement, and Individual Interoceptive Differences in Pregnant Women: Cross-Sectional Study", journal="Asian Pac Isl Nurs J", year="2024", month="Jun", day="26", volume="8", pages="e57128", keywords="fetal movement", keywords="gestational weeks", keywords="gestation", keywords="gestational", keywords="heartbeat counting task", keywords="interoception", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="pregnant", keywords="maternal", keywords="fetus", keywords="fetal", keywords="association", keywords="associations", keywords="correlation", keywords="correlations", keywords="obstetric", keywords="obstetrics", keywords="interoceptive", keywords="perception", keywords="perceptions", keywords="awareness", keywords="sense", keywords="sensing", keywords="senses", keywords="internal stimulus", keywords="internal stimuli", abstract="Background: Interoception encompasses the conscious awareness of homeostasis in the body. Given that fetal movement awareness is a component of interoception in pregnant women, the timing of initial detection of fetal movement may indicate individual differences in interoceptive sensitivity. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine whether the association between the gestational week of initial movement awareness and interoception can be a convenient evaluation index for interoception in pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 32 pregnant women aged 20 years or older at 22-29 weeks of gestation with stable hemodynamics in the Obstetric Outpatient Department. Interoception was assessed using the heartbeat-counting task, with gestational weeks at the first awareness of fetal movement recorded via a questionnaire. Spearman rank correlation was used to compare the gestational weeks at the first awareness of fetal movement and heartbeat-counting task scores. Results: A significant negative correlation was found between the gestational weeks at the first fetal movement awareness and heartbeat-counting task performance among all participants (r=--0.43, P=.01) and among primiparous women (r=--0.53, P=.03) but not among multiparous women. Conclusions: Individual differences in interoception appear to correlate with the differences observed in the timing of the first awareness of fetal movement. ", doi="10.2196/57128", url="https://apinj.jmir.org/2024/1/e57128" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/56894, author="Chua, Xin Joelle Yan and Choolani, Mahesh and Chee, Ing Cornelia Yin and Yi, Huso and Chan, Huak Yiong and Lalor, Gabrielle Joan and Chong, Seng Yap and Shorey, Shefaly", title="Parents' Perceptions of Their Parenting Journeys and a Mobile App Intervention (Parentbot---A Digital Healthcare Assistant): Qualitative Process Evaluation", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Jun", day="21", volume="26", pages="e56894", keywords="perinatal", keywords="parents", keywords="mobile app", keywords="chatbot", keywords="qualitative study", keywords="interviews", keywords="experiences", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Parents experience many challenges during the perinatal period. Mobile app--based interventions and chatbots show promise in delivering health care support for parents during the perinatal period. Objective: This descriptive qualitative process evaluation study aims to explore the perinatal experiences of parents in Singapore, as well as examine the user experiences of the mobile app--based intervention with an in-built chatbot titled Parentbot---a Digital Healthcare Assistant (PDA). Methods: A total of 20 heterosexual English-speaking parents were recruited via purposive sampling from a single tertiary hospital in Singapore. The parents (control group: 10/20, 50\%; intervention group: 10/20, 50\%) were also part of an ongoing randomized trial between November 2022 and August 2023 that aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the PDA in improving parenting outcomes. Semistructured one-to-one interviews were conducted via Zoom from February to June 2023. All interviews were conducted in English, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was guided by the thematic analysis framework. The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist was used to guide the reporting of data. Results: Three themes with 10 subthemes describing parents' perceptions of their parenting journeys and their experiences with the PDA were identified. The main themes were (1) new babies, new troubles, and new wonders; (2) support system for the parents; and (3) reshaping perinatal support for future parents. Conclusions: Overall, the PDA provided parents with informational, socioemotional, and psychological support and could be used to supplement the perinatal care provided for future parents. To optimize users' experience with the PDA, the intervention could be equipped with a more sophisticated chatbot, equipped with more gamification features, and programmed to deliver personalized care to parents. Researchers and health care providers could also strive to promote more peer-to-peer interactions among users. The provision of continuous, holistic, and family-centered care by health care professionals could also be emphasized. Moreover, policy changes regarding maternity and paternity leaves, availability of infant care centers, and flexible work arrangements could be further explored to promote healthy work-family balance for parents. ", doi="10.2196/56894", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e56894" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58056, author="Frennesson, Felicia Nessie and Barnett, Julie and Merouani, Youssouf and Attwood, Angela and Zuccolo, Luisa and McQuire, Cheryl", title="Analyzing Questions About Alcohol in Pregnancy Using Web-Based Forum Topics: Qualitative Content Analysis", journal="JMIR Infodemiology", year="2024", month="Jun", day="20", volume="4", pages="e58056", keywords="social media", keywords="web-based forum", keywords="alcohol", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="prenatal health", keywords="prenatal alcohol exposure", abstract="Background: Prenatal alcohol exposure represents a substantial public health concern as it may lead to detrimental outcomes, including pregnancy complications and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Although UK national guidance recommends abstaining from alcohol if pregnant or planning a pregnancy, evidence suggests that confusion remains on this topic among members of the public, and little is known about what questions people have about consumption of alcohol in pregnancy outside of health care settings. Objective: This study aims to assess what questions and topics are raised on alcohol in pregnancy on a web-based UK-based parenting forum and how these correspond to official public health guidelines with respect to 2 critical events: the implementation of the revised UK Chief Medical Officers' (CMO) low-risk drinking guidelines (2016) and the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (2020). Methods: All thread starts mentioning alcohol in the ``Pregnancy'' forum were collected from Mumsnet for the period 2002 to 2022 and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the number and proportion of thread starts for each topic over the whole study period and for the periods corresponding to the change in CMO guidance and the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 395 thread starts were analyzed, and key topics included ``Asking for advice on whether it is safe to consume alcohol'' or on ``safe limits'' and concerns about having consumed alcohol before being aware of a pregnancy. In addition, the Mumsnet thread starts included discussions and information seeking on ``Research, guidelines, and official information about alcohol in pregnancy.'' Topics discussed on Mumsnet regarding alcohol in pregnancy remained broadly similar between 2002 and 2022, although thread starts disclosing prenatal alcohol use were more common before the introduction of the revised CMO guidance than in later periods. Conclusions: Web-based discussions within a UK parenting forum indicated that users were often unclear on guidance and risks associated with prenatal alcohol use and that they used this platform to seek information and reassurance from peers. ", doi="10.2196/58056", url="https://infodemiology.jmir.org/2024/1/e58056", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38900536" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49510, author="Ameyaw, Kwabena Edward and Amoah, Adusei Padmore and Ezezika, Obidimma", title="Effectiveness of mHealth Apps for Maternal Health Care Delivery: Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="May", day="29", volume="26", pages="e49510", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="maternal health", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="technology", keywords="health care", keywords="newborn", keywords="systematic review", keywords="database", keywords="mHealth impact", keywords="mHealth effectiveness", keywords="health care applications", abstract="Background: Globally, the use of mobile health (mHealth) apps or interventions has increased. Robust synthesis of existing systematic reviews on mHealth apps may offer useful insights to guide maternal health clinicians and policy makers. Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness or impact of mHealth apps on maternal health care delivery globally. Methods: We systematically searched Scopus, Web of Science (Core Collection), MEDLINE or PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using a predeveloped search strategy. The quality of the reviews was independently assessed by 3 reviewers, while study selection was done by 2 independent raters. We presented a narrative synthesis of the findings, highlighting the specific mHealth apps, where they are implemented, and their effectiveness or outcomes toward various maternal conditions. Results: A total of 2527 documents were retrieved, out of which 16 documents were included in the review. Most mHealth apps were implemented by sending SMS text messages with mobile phones. mHealth interventions were most effective in 5 areas: maternal anxiety and depression, diabetes in pregnancy, gestational weight management, maternal health care use, behavioral modification toward smoking cessation, and controlling substance use during pregnancy. We noted that mHealth interventions for maternal health care are skewed toward high-income countries (13/16, 81\%). Conclusions: The effectiveness of mHealth apps for maternity health care has drawn attention in research and practice recently. The study showed that research on mHealth apps and their use dominate in high-income countries. As a result, it is imperative that low- and middle-income countries intensify their commitment to these apps for maternal health care, in terms of use and research. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022365179; https://tinyurl.com/e5yxyx77 ", doi="10.2196/49510", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e49510", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38810250" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/56052, author="Padhani, Ali Zahra and Tessema, A. Gizachew and Avery, C. Jodie and Rahim, Abdul Komal and Boyle, A. Jacqueline and Meherali, Salima and Salam, A. Rehana and Lassi, S. Zohra", title="Preconception Care Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults to Prevent Adverse Maternal and Child Health Outcomes: Protocol for an Evidence Gap Map", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="May", day="24", volume="13", pages="e56052", keywords="preconception health", keywords="adolescent", keywords="young adult", keywords="maternal health", keywords="perinatal outcomes", keywords="child health", keywords="infant health", keywords="evidence gap map", keywords="EGM", keywords="interventions", keywords="perinatal health", keywords="preconception", keywords="young woman", keywords="woman", keywords="evidence gap", keywords="perinatal", keywords="map", keywords="gap", keywords="offspring", keywords="maternal", keywords="infancy", keywords="prepregnancy", abstract="Background: Preconception is the period before a young woman or woman conceives, which draws attention to understanding how her health condition and certain risk factors affect her and her baby's health once she becomes pregnant. Adolescence and youth represent a life-course continuum between childhood and adulthood, in which the prepregnancy phase lacks sufficient research. Objective: The aim of the study is to identify, map, and describe existing empirical evidence on preconception interventions that enhance health outcomes for adolescents, young adults, and their offspring. Methods: We will conduct an evidence gap map (EGM) activity following the Campbell guidelines by populating searches identified from electronic databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. We will include interventional studies and reviews of interventional studies that report the impact of preconception interventions for adolescents and young adults (aged 10 to 25 years) on adverse maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. All studies will undergo title or abstract and full-text screening on Covidence software (Veritas Health Innovation). All included studies will be coded using the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI) Reviewer software (EPPI Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London). Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 and Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) tool will be used to assess the quality of the included trials and reviews. A 2D graphical EGM will be developed using the EPPI Mapper software (version 2.2.4; EPPI Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London). Results: This EGM exercise began in July 2023. Through electronic search, 131,031 publications were identified after deduplication, and after the full-text screening, 18 studies (124 papers) were included in the review. We plan to submit the paper to a peer-reviewed journal once it is finalized, with an expected completion date in May 2024. Conclusions: This study will facilitate the prioritization of future research and allocation of funding while also suggesting interventions that may improve maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/56052 ", doi="10.2196/56052", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e56052", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38788203" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58326, author="Kim, Sun-Hee and De Gagne, C. Jennie", title="Examining the Effectiveness of Interactive Webtoons for Premature Birth Prevention: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="May", day="15", volume="13", pages="e58326", keywords="cartoon", keywords="cartoons", keywords="webtoon", keywords="webtoons", keywords="story", keywords="stories", keywords="storytelling", keywords="preterm", keywords="infant", keywords="infants", keywords="infancy", keywords="baby", keywords="babies", keywords="neonate", keywords="neonates", keywords="neonatal", keywords="newborn", keywords="newborns", keywords="perception", keywords="perceptions", keywords="web-based", keywords="satisfaction", keywords="client satisfaction", keywords="clinical trial protocol", keywords="education", keywords="health belief model", keywords="web-based intervention", keywords="premature birth", keywords="prevention and control", keywords="prevention", keywords="premature", keywords="maternal", keywords="pregnant", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="randomized controlled feasibility trials", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="women", keywords="randomized", keywords="controlled trial", keywords="controlled trials", keywords="birth", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Premature birth poses significant health challenges globally, impacting infants, families, and society. Despite recognition of its contributing factors, efforts to reduce its incidence have seen limited success. A notable gap exists in the awareness among women of childbearing age (WCA) regarding both the risks of premature birth and the preventative measures they can take. Research suggests that enhancing health beliefs and self-management efficacy in WCA could foster preventive health behaviors. Interactive webtoons offer an innovative, cost-effective avenue for delivering engaging, accessible health education aimed at preventing premature birth. Objective: This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a novel, self-guided, web-based intervention---Pregnancy Story I Didn't Know in Interactive Webtoon Series (PSIDK-iWebtoons)---designed to enhance self-management efficacy and promote behaviors preventing premature birth in WCA. Methods: Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, this study first conducts a quantitative analysis followed by a qualitative inquiry to evaluate outcomes and feasibility. Participants are randomly assigned to 2 groups: one accessing the PSIDK-iWebtoons and the other receiving Pregnancy Story I Didn't Know in Text-Based Information (PSIDK-Texts) over 3 weeks. We measure primary efficacy through the self-management self-efficacy scale for premature birth prevention (PBP), alongside secondary outcomes including perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers based on the health belief model for PBP and PBP intention. Additional participant-reported outcomes are assessed at baseline, the postintervention time point, and the 4-week follow-up. The feasibility of the intervention is assessed after the end of the 3-week intervention period. Outcome analysis uses repeated measures ANOVA for quantitative data, while qualitative data are explored through content analysis of interviews with 30 participants. Results: The study received funding in June 2021 and institutional review board approval in October 2023. Both the PSIDK-iWebtoons and PSIDK-Texts interventions have been developed and pilot-tested from July to November 2023, with the main phase of quantitative data collection running from November 2023 to March 2024. Qualitative data collection commenced in February 2024 and will conclude in May 2024. Ongoing analyses include process evaluation and data interpretation. Conclusions: This trial will lay foundational insights into the nexus of interactive web-based interventions and the improvement of knowledge and practices related to PBP among WCA. By demonstrating the efficacy and feasibility of a web-based, interactive educational tool, this study will contribute essential evidence to the discourse on accessible and scientifically robust digital platforms. Positive findings will underscore the importance of such interventions in fostering preventive health behaviors, thereby supporting community-wide efforts to mitigate the risk of premature births through informed self-management practices. Trial Registration: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) KCT0008931; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=25857 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/58326 ", doi="10.2196/58326", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e58326", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38748471" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/54768, author="Sonephet, Souliviengkham and Kounnavong, Sengchanh and Zinsstag, Lucienne and Vonaesch, Pascale and Sayasone, Somphou and Siengsounthone, Latsamy and Odermatt, Peter and Fink, G{\"u}nther and Wallenborn, Tinka Jordyn", title="Social Transfers for Exclusive Breastfeeding (STEB) Intervention in Lao People's Democratic Republic: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="May", day="3", volume="13", pages="e54768", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="lactation", keywords="human milk", keywords="breastmilk", keywords="child", keywords="infant", keywords="health", keywords="growth and development", keywords="cash transfer", keywords="incentive", keywords="intervention", abstract="Background: Children in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) receive suboptimal nutrition because of low breastfeeding rates, undermining their developmental potential. While major public health campaigns have attempted to increase breastfeeding rates, they have been largely unsuccessful. One explanation for these unsuccessful interventions is the economic and financial constraints faced by mothers. A potential solution for alleviating these pressures is providing social transfers to support breastfeeding; defined as a cash or in-kind transfer. Capitalizing on key strategies used in previous social transfer programs, we will assess the effectiveness of social transfer intervention for increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Objective: This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to assess whether social transfers can increase exclusive breastfeeding rates in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. Methods: A prospective, parallel cluster-RCT was conducted among 300 mothers who recently gave birth and initiated breastfeeding. Enrolling 100 participants for each intervention arm provided us with 80\% power to detect an increase in exclusive breastfeeding from the anticipated 21\% in the control arm to 40\% in either of the 2 intervention arms. Mother-infant dyads were enrolled at approximately 1 month post partum. Follow-up visits will occur at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years post partum; with the ambition to extend the follow-up period. Mother-infant dyads were enrolled between August 2022 and April 2023 with follow-up until 3 years post partum (2026). A local study team comprised of 2 nurses and 2 laboratory technicians is responsible for enrollment and follow-up of participants. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups during the baseline, 1-month visit: (1) control group, no social transfer; (2) intervention group 1, an unconditional social transfer at 6 months post partum; and (3) intervention group 2, a social transfer at 6 months post partum conditional upon mothers exclusively breastfeeding. All groups received educational materials supporting mothers to exclusively breastfeed. The primary end point will be exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months post partum. Secondary end points will include exclusive and complementary breastfeeding duration, childhood wasting and stunting, child growth, maternal and infant stress, predictors of early breastfeeding cessation, intestinal inflammation, anemia, maternal weight loss, maternal blood pressure, maternal anxiety, and GRIT personality score. Questionnaires and physical examinations were used to collect information. Results: As of November 2023, the study has enrolled 300 participants. Study participation is ongoing until December 2026 at minimum. Over the study lifetime, 93\% have completed all visits. Conclusions: We see potential for a long-term program that may be implemented in other low- or lower-middle-income countries with only minor modifications. The RCT will be used as a basis for observational studies and to investigate the impact of human milk on child fecal microbiota and growth. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05665049; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05665049 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/54768 ", doi="10.2196/54768", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e54768", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38700928" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49335, author="Gouy, Giulia and Attali, Luisa and Voillot, Pam{\'e}la and Fournet, Patrick and Agostini, Aubert", title="Experiences of Women With Medical Abortion Care Reflected in Social Media (VEILLE Study): Noninterventional Retrospective Exploratory Infodemiology Study", journal="JMIR Infodemiology", year="2024", month="May", day="2", volume="4", pages="e49335", keywords="infodemiology", keywords="medical abortion", keywords="patient experience", keywords="real-world evidence", keywords="social media", keywords="abortion", keywords="women's health", keywords="reproduction", keywords="reproductive", keywords="obstetric", keywords="obstetrics", keywords="gynecology", keywords="gynecological", keywords="text mining", keywords="topic model", keywords="topic modeling", keywords="natural language processing", keywords="NLP", abstract="Background: Abortion (also known as termination of pregnancy) is an essential element of women's reproductive health care. Feedback from women who underwent medical termination of pregnancy about their experience is crucial to help practitioners identify women's needs and develop necessary tools to improve the abortion care process. However, the collection of this feedback is quite challenging. Social media offer anonymity for women who share their abortion experience. Objective: This exploratory infodemiology study aimed to analyze, through French social media posts, personal medical symptoms and the different experiences and information dynamics associated with the medical abortion process. Methods: A retrospective study was performed by analyzing posts geolocated in France and published from January 1, 2017, to November 30, 2021. Posts were extracted from all French-language general and specialized publicly available web forums using specific keywords. Extracted messages were cleaned and pseudonymized. Automatic natural language processing methods were used to identify posts from women having experienced medical abortion. Biterm topic modeling was used to identify the main discussion themes and the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities was used to identify medical terms. Encountered difficulties were explored using qualitative research methods until the saturation of concepts was reached. Results: Analysis of 5398 identified posts (3409 users) led to the identification of 9 major topics: personal experience (n=2413 posts, 44.7\%), community support (n=1058, 19.6\%), pain and bleeding (n=797, 14.8\%), psychological experience (n=760, 14.1\%), questioned efficacy (n=410, 7.6\%), social pressure (n=373, 6.9\%), positive experiences (n=257, 4.8\%), menstrual cycle disorders (n=107, 2\%), and reported inefficacy (n=104, 1.9\%). Pain, which was mentioned in 1627 (30.1\%) of the 5398 posts by 1024 (30.0\%) of the 3409 users, was the most frequently reported medical term. Pain was considered severe to unbearable in 24.5\% of the cases (399 of the 1627 posts). Lack of information was the most frequently reported difficulty during and after the process. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that French women used social media to share their experiences, offer and find support, and provide and receive information regarding medical abortion. Infodemiology appears to be a useful tool to obtain women's feedback, therefore offering the opportunity to enhance care in women undergoing medical abortion. ", doi="10.2196/49335", url="https://infodemiology.jmir.org/2024/1/e49335", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38696232" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47484, author="Benda, Natalie and Woode, Sydney and Ni{\~n}o de Rivera, Stephanie and Kalish, B. Robin and Riley, E. Laura and Hermann, Alison and Masterson Creber, Ruth and Costa Pimentel, Eric and Ancker, S. Jessica", title="Understanding Symptom Self-Monitoring Needs Among Postpartum Black Patients: Qualitative Interview Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Apr", day="26", volume="26", pages="e47484", keywords="maternal mortality", keywords="patient-reported outcomes", keywords="patient-reported outcome", keywords="health equity", keywords="qualitative research", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="qualitative", keywords="postpartum", keywords="postnatal", keywords="maternity", keywords="maternal", keywords="Black", keywords="women's health", keywords="ethnic", keywords="design need", keywords="mortality", keywords="death", keywords="decision support", keywords="information need", keywords="informational need", keywords="obstetric", keywords="obstetrics", keywords="mental health", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Pregnancy-related death is on the rise in the United States, and there are significant disparities in outcomes for Black patients. Most solutions that address pregnancy-related death are hospital based, which rely on patients recognizing symptoms and seeking care from a health system, an area where many Black patients have reported experiencing bias. There is a need for patient-centered solutions that support and encourage postpartum people to seek care for severe symptoms. Objective: We aimed to determine the design needs for a mobile health (mHealth) patient-reported outcomes and decision-support system to assist Black patients in assessing when to seek medical care for severe postpartum symptoms. These findings may also support different perinatal populations and minoritized groups in other clinical settings. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with 36 participants---15 (42\%) obstetric health professionals, 10 (28\%) mental health professionals, and 11 (31\%) postpartum Black patients. The interview questions included the following: current practices for symptom monitoring, barriers to and facilitators of effective monitoring, and design requirements for an mHealth system that supports monitoring for severe symptoms. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. We analyzed transcripts using directed content analysis and the constant comparative process. We adopted a thematic analysis approach, eliciting themes deductively using conceptual frameworks from health behavior and human information processing, while also allowing new themes to inductively arise from the data. Our team involved multiple coders to promote reliability through a consensus process. Results: Our findings revealed considerations related to relevant symptom inputs for postpartum support, the drivers that may affect symptom processing, and the design needs for symptom self-monitoring and patient decision-support interventions. First, participants viewed both somatic and psychological symptom inputs as important to capture. Second, self-perception; previous experience; sociocultural, financial, environmental, and health systems--level factors were all perceived to impact how patients processed, made decisions about, and acted upon their symptoms. Third, participants provided recommendations for system design that involved allowing for user control and freedom. They also stressed the importance of careful wording of decision-support messages, such that messages that recommend them to seek care convey urgency but do not provoke anxiety. Alternatively, messages that recommend they may not need care should make the patient feel heard and reassured. Conclusions: Future solutions for postpartum symptom monitoring should include both somatic and psychological symptoms, which may require combining existing measures to elicit symptoms in a nuanced manner. Solutions should allow for varied, safe interactions to suit individual needs. While mHealth or other apps may not be able to address all the social or financial needs of a person, they may at least provide information, so that patients can easily access other supportive resources. ", doi="10.2196/47484", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e47484", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38669066" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53614, author="Smith, M. Sharissa and Bais, Babette and Ismaili M'hamdi, Hafez and Schermer, HN Maartje and Steegers-Theunissen, PM R{\'e}gine", title="Stimulating Preconception Care Uptake by Women With a Vulnerable Health Status Through a Mobile Health App (Pregnant Faster): Pilot Feasibility Study", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2024", month="Apr", day="22", volume="11", pages="e53614", keywords="preconception care", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="pregnancy preparation", keywords="nudge", keywords="health inequality", keywords="socioeconomic status", keywords="lifestyle", keywords="women", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="pregnant women", keywords="pregnant", keywords="socioeconomic", keywords="pilot feasibility study", keywords="mHealth app", keywords="mHealth application", keywords="app", keywords="application", keywords="risk factor", keywords="nutrition", keywords="stress", keywords="chronic stress", keywords="health literacy", keywords="usability", keywords="user satisfaction", keywords="user", keywords="users", abstract="Background: A low socioeconomic status is associated with a vulnerable health status (VHS) through the accumulation of health-related risk factors, such as poor lifestyle behaviors (eg, inadequate nutrition, chronic stress, and impaired health literacy). For pregnant women, a VHS translates into a high incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and therefore pregnancy-related inequity. We hypothesize that stimulating adequate pregnancy preparation, targeting lifestyle behaviors and preconception care (PCC) uptake, can reduce these inequities and improve the pregnancy outcomes of women with a VHS. A nudge is a behavioral intervention aimed at making healthy choices easier and more attractive and may therefore be a feasible way to stimulate engagement in pregnancy preparation and PCC uptake, especially in women with a VHS. To support adequate pregnancy preparation, we designed a mobile health (mHealth) app, Pregnant Faster, that fits the preferences of women with a VHS and uses nudging to encourage PCC consultation visits and engagement in education on healthy lifestyle behaviors. Objective: This study aimed to test the feasibility of Pregnant Faster by determining usability and user satisfaction, the number of visited PCC consultations, and the course of practical study conduction. Methods: Women aged 18-45 years, with low-to-intermediate educational attainment, who were trying to become pregnant within 12 months were included in this open cohort. Recruitment took place through social media, health care professionals, and distribution of flyers and posters from September 2021 until June 2022. Participants used Pregnant Faster daily for 4 weeks, earning coins by reading blogs on pregnancy preparation, filling out a daily questionnaire on healthy lifestyle choices, and registering for a PCC consultation with a midwife. Earned coins could be spent on rewards, such as fruit, mascara, and baby products. Evaluation took place through the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ), an additional interview or questionnaire, and assessment of overall study conduction. Results: Due to limited inclusions, the inclusion criterion ``living in a deprived neighborhood'' was dropped. This resulted in the inclusion of 47 women, of whom 39 (83\%) completed the intervention. In total, 16 (41\%) of 39 participants visited a PCC consultation, with their main motivation being obtaining personalized information. The majority of participants agreed with 16 (88.9\%) of 18 statements of the MAUQ, indicating high user satisfaction. The mean rating was 7.7 (SD 1.0) out of 10. Points of improvement included recruitment of the target group, simplification of the log-in system, and automation of manual tasks. Conclusions: Nudging women through Pregnant Faster to stimulate pregnancy preparation and PCC uptake has proven feasible, but the inclusion criteria must be revised. A substantial number of PCC consultations were conducted, and this study will therefore be continued with an open cohort of 400 women, aiming to establish the (cost-)effectiveness of an updated version, named Pregnant Faster 2. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/45293 ", doi="10.2196/53614", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2024/1/e53614", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38648092" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/54788, author="Kim, Sun-Hee and Park, Jin-Hwa and Jung, Sun-Young and De Gagne, C. Jennie", title="Internet-Based Interventions for Preventing Premature Birth Among Pregnant Women: Systematic Review", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Apr", day="2", volume="7", pages="e54788", keywords="anxiety", keywords="body weight", keywords="depression", keywords="gestational diabetes mellitus", keywords="high-risk behavior", keywords="internet-based interventions", keywords="neonatal outcomes", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="premature birth", keywords="pregnancy outcomes", keywords="stress", keywords="systematic review", abstract="Background: Premature birth rates have slightly increased globally, making its prevention critical for both short-term and long-term health outcomes. Various interventions have been developed in response to the multifaceted risk factors for premature birth, including internet-based programs. These programs offer accessibility and enhanced engagement; however, their overall efficacy in preventing premature births requires thorough evaluation. Objective: This systematic review aims to identify the study designs and assess the effectiveness of internet-based interventions in preventing premature birth among pregnant women. Methods: A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify randomized trials and quasi-experimental studies evaluating internet-based interventions for premature birth prevention in pregnant women. The search was inclusive, with no restrictions based on language or geographical location, allowing for a comprehensive global perspective. The time frame for the inclusion of studies extended until February 2023. The risk of bias (RoB) in each study was independently assessed by 3 authors forming pairs, using the revised Cochrane RoB tool (RoB 2) for randomized trials, as per the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Owing to heterogeneity in populations, measurements, and interventions, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Results: This review included 26 articles, comprising 12 intention-to-treat and 14 per-protocol studies. The overall RoB was high in most intention-to-treat studies and of some concern in most per-protocol studies. The target populations varied, including nonspecific pregnant women, those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or those at risk of GDM, individuals with anxiety or depression, and those experiencing preterm labor. Psychosocial, physiological, and wellness health outcomes were evaluated. Internet-based interventions effectively reduced stress/distress in nonspecific pregnant women but not in those experiencing preterm labor. Their effectiveness in reducing anxiety and depression varied, with inconsistent results among different groups. In women with GDM or those at risk of GDM, interventions successfully controlled fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose levels but did not consistently manage glycated hemoglobin levels. These interventions did not reduce the incidence of premature births across the various populations studied. The effectiveness of these internet-based interventions in addressing substance or alcohol abuse and insomnia also varied. Conclusions: Internet-based interventions show promise in improving psychosocial health and managing blood sugar to prevent premature birth, highlighting variability in effectiveness across different risk factors. Further research, including clinical trials, is vital for developing, evaluating, and disseminating effective, safe internet-based interventions. Establishing standardized measurement tools and rigorous evaluation processes is crucial for enhancing these interventions' effectiveness and reliability in clinical practice, significantly contributing to preventing premature births and improving maternal health outcomes. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021278847; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display\_record.php?ID=CRD42021278847 ", doi="10.2196/54788", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e54788", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38564247" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48493, author="Tretter, Max", title="Mitigating Health-Related Uncertainties During Pregnancy: The Role of Smart Health Monitoring Technologies", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Mar", day="25", volume="26", pages="e48493", keywords="stress", keywords="anxiety", keywords="reproductive technologies", keywords="fetal health", keywords="epistemology", keywords="ethics", doi="10.2196/48493", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e48493", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38526554" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47092, author="Hollestelle, J. Marieke and van der Graaf, Rieke and Sturkenboom, M. Miriam C. J. and Cunnington, Marianne and van Delden, M. Johannes J.", title="Building a Sustainable Learning Health Care System for Pregnant and Lactating People: Interview Study Among Data Access Providers", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Feb", day="8", volume="7", pages="e47092", keywords="ethics", keywords="learning health care systems", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="lactation", keywords="real-world data", keywords="governance", keywords="qualitative research", abstract="Background: In many areas of health care, learning health care systems (LHSs) are seen as promising ways to accelerate research and outcomes for patients by reusing health and research data. For example, considering pregnant and lactating people, for whom there is still a poor evidence base for medication safety and efficacy, an LHS presents an interesting way forward. Combining unique data sources across Europe in an LHS could help clarify how medications affect pregnancy outcomes and lactation exposures. In general, a remaining challenge of data-intensive health research, which is at the core of an LHS, has been obtaining meaningful access to data. These unique data sources, also called data access providers (DAPs), are both public and private organizations and are important stakeholders in the development of a sustainable and ethically responsible LHS. Sustainability is often discussed as a challenge in LHS development. Moreover, DAPs are increasingly expected to move beyond regulatory compliance and are seen as moral agents tasked with upholding ethical principles, such as transparency, trustworthiness, responsibility, and community engagement. Objective: This study aims to explore the views of people working for DAPs who participate in a public-private partnership to build a sustainable and ethically responsible LHS. Methods: Using a qualitative interview design, we interviewed 14 people involved in the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) ConcePTION (Continuum of Evidence from Pregnancy Exposures, Reproductive Toxicology and Breastfeeding to Improve Outcomes Now) project, a public-private collaboration with the goal of building an LHS for pregnant and lactating people. The pseudonymized transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results: A total of 3 themes were identified: opportunities and responsibilities, conditions for participation and commitment, and challenges for a knowledge-generating ecosystem. The respondents generally regarded the collaboration as an opportunity for various reasons beyond the primary goal of generating knowledge about medication safety during pregnancy and lactation. Respondents had different interpretations of responsibility in the context of data-intensive research in a public-private network. Respondents explained that resources (financial and other), scientific output, motivation, agreements collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry, trust, and transparency are important conditions for participating in and committing to the ConcePTION LHS. Respondents also discussed the challenges of an LHS, including the limitations to (real-world) data analyses and governance procedures. Conclusions: Our respondents were motivated by diverse opportunities to contribute to an LHS for pregnant and lactating people, primarily centered on advancing knowledge on medication safety. Although a shared responsibility for enabling real-world data analyses is acknowledged, their focus remains on their work and contribution to the project rather than on safeguarding ethical data handling. The results of our interviews underline the importance of a transparent governance structure, emphasizing the trust between DAPs and the public for the success and sustainability of an LHS. ", doi="10.2196/47092", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e47092", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38329780" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51066, author="Ronen, Keshet and Gewali, Anupa and Dachelet, Kristin and White, Erica and Jean-Baptiste, Marimirca and Evans, N. Yolanda and Unger, A. Jennifer and Tandon, Darius S. and Bhat, Amritha", title="Acceptability and Utility of a Digital Group Intervention to Prevent Perinatal Depression in Youths via Interactive Maternal Group for Information and Emotional Support (IMAGINE): Pilot Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Feb", day="2", volume="8", pages="e51066", keywords="perinatal depression", keywords="youth", keywords="mHealth", keywords="digital health", keywords="acceptability", keywords="utility", keywords="depression", keywords="pilot study", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="postpartum", keywords="prevention", keywords="cognitive behavioral therapy", keywords="psychoeducation", keywords="mixed methods", keywords="manage", keywords="mood", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Perinatal depression (depression during pregnancy or the first year postpartum) affects 10\%-25\% of perinatal individuals, with a higher risk among youths aged <25 years. The Mothers and Babies Course (MB) is an evidence-based intervention for the prevention of perinatal depression, grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, and psychoeducation. Objective: We developed a digital adaptation of MB (Interactive Maternal Group for Information and Emotional Support [IMAGINE]) and evaluated it in a pre-post mixed methods pilot among young perinatal people in the United States. Methods: IMAGINE was a structured digital group of up to 7 participants, with scheduled MB content and open discussion for 12 weeks, facilitated by a social worker. Scheduled content included asynchronous SMS text messages, graphics, prerecorded videos, mood polls, and optional weekly synchronous video calls. Eligible participants were pregnant or ?80 days postpartum, aged 16 to 24 years, had access to a smartphone, spoke English, and had a Patient Health Questionnaire score <10. Participants were recruited throughout the United States from August 2020 to January 2021 through paid social media ads, in-person outreach at clinics, and respondent-driven sampling. Participants completed quantitative questionnaires at enrollment and 3 months, and qualitative interviews at 3 months. We determined uptake, acceptability (by Acceptability of Intervention Measure score), and utility (by use of cognitive behavioral therapy skills). We compared depression symptoms (by Patient Health Questionnaire score), social support (by abbreviated Social Support Behavior score), and perceived stress (by Perceived Stress Score) between enrollment and follow-up by paired 2-tailed t test. Results: Among 68 individuals who contacted this study, 22 were screened, 13 were eligible, and 10 enrolled, for an uptake of 76.9\%. Furthermore, 4 (40\%) participants were pregnant at enrollment. Participants had a median age of 17.9 (IQR 17.4-21.7) years, 6 (67\%) identified as Black, 5 (56\%) Latinx, and 6 (67\%) using Medicaid health insurance. Further, 9 (90\%) participants completed follow-up. Among these, the mean acceptability score was 4.3 out of 5 (SD 0.6) and all participants said they would recommend IMAGINE to a friend. Participants reported using a median of 7 of 11 skills (IQR 5-7 skills) at least half the days. We found no significant changes in depression symptoms, perceived stress, or social support. Qualitatively, participants reported one-to-one support from the facilitator, connection with other parents, and regular mood reflection were especially helpful aspects of the intervention. Additionally, participants reported that the intervention normalized their mental health challenges, improved their ability to manage their mood, and increased their openness to mental health care. Conclusions: This pilot study provides promising evidence of the acceptability and utility of IMAGINE among perinatal youths. Our study's small sample size did not detect changes in clinical outcomes; our findings suggest IMAGINE warrants larger-scale evaluation. ", doi="10.2196/51066", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e51066", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38306159" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46973, author="Phillips, Craig J. and Alfano, R. Alliete and Barfield, C. Latisha and Cain, Lisa and Sadjadi, Masoud and Morales, Eduardo and Phillips-Beck, Wanda and Galarza, Grisel M. and Torres, Maritza and Zindani, Sadaf and Rayani, Ahmad and Edwards, Khalee and Jones, Gracia Sande and Hannan, Jean", title="Exploring Maternal and Infant Health App Development and Effectiveness Research: Scoping Review", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Jan", day="26", volume="7", pages="e46973", keywords="maternal and child health", keywords="smartphone", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="eHealth", keywords="app development", keywords="app evaluation", keywords="app effectiveness", keywords="maternal and infant app", keywords="pregnancy, postpartum", keywords="mothers", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="AI", abstract="Background: Globally, high rates of maternal and infant mortality call for interventions during the perinatal period to engage pregnant people as well as their loved ones in care. Mobile health technologies have become ubiquitous in our lives and in health care settings. However, there is a need to further explore their safety and effectiveness to support and improve health outcomes locally and globally. Objective: The aim of this study was to review and synthesize published literature that described the development process or effectiveness evaluations of maternal and infant apps. Methods: We applied a methodological framework for scoping reviews as well as the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines; in addition, the systematic review platform Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation Ltd) was used to facilitate the review of included studies. Search terms were developed collaboratively, and health sciences--associated databases were searched for studies conducted between January 1, 2000, and February 4, 2022. We excluded studies about apps that only gathered or tracked data or targeted care providers. Results: A total of 1027 articles were included for title and abstract screening, of which 87 (8.47\%) were chosen for full-text screening. Of these 87 articles, 74 (85\%) were excluded with reasons, and 19 (22\%) were included. Four articles were added at data extraction from hand searching and 2 others were excluded. Thus, we reviewed and synthesized data from 11 unique studies reported in 21 articles published between 2017 and 2021. The included studies represented 8 different countries. Most of the apps (8/11, 73\%) were in English, although apps were also developed in Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, and Nepali. The articles reviewed revealed the early stage of development of the field of maternal and infant health apps, with modest evidence of app use and achievement of study outcomes. Only 1 (9\%) of the 11 apps was endorsed by an independent health care provider society. App development and evaluation processes emerged, and specific app features were identified as vital for well-functioning apps. End-user engagement occurred in some, but not all, parts of app research and development. Conclusions: Apps to improve maternal and infant health are being developed and launched in enormous numbers, with many of them not developed with mothers' needs in mind. There are concerns about privacy, safety, and the standardization of current apps as well as a need for professional or institution-specific guidelines or best practices. Despite challenges inherent in currently available apps and their design processes, maternal and infant app technology holds promise for achieving health equity goals and improving maternal and child health outcomes. Finally, we propose recommendations for advancing the knowledge base for maternal and infant apps. ", doi="10.2196/46973", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e46973", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38055330" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44029, author="Vanderkruik, C. Rachel and Ferguson, Craig and Kobylski, A. Lauren and Locascio, J. Joseph and Hamlett, E. Gabriella and Killenberg, C. Parker and Lewis, Robert and Jones, Noah and Rossa, T. Ella and Dineen, Hannah and Picard, Rosalind and Cohen, S. Lee", title="Testing a Behavioral Activation Gaming App for Depression During Pregnancy: Multimethod Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Jan", day="26", volume="8", pages="e44029", keywords="perinatal depression", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="behavioral activation", keywords="mobile app", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Depression during pregnancy is increasingly recognized as a worldwide public health problem. If untreated, there can be detrimental outcomes for the mother and child. Anxiety is also often comorbid with depression. Although effective treatments exist, most women do not receive treatment. Technology is a mechanism to increase access to and engagement in mental health services. Objective: The Guardians is a mobile app, grounded in behavioral activation principles, which seeks to leverage mobile game mechanics and in-game rewards to encourage user engagement. This study seeks to assess app satisfaction and engagement and to explore changes in clinical symptoms of depression and anxiety among a sample of pregnant women with elevated depressive symptoms. Methods: This multimethod pilot test consisted of a single-arm, proof-of-concept trial to examine the feasibility and acceptability of The Guardians among a pregnant sample with depression (N=18). Participation included two web-based study visits: (1) a baseline assessment to collect demographic and obstetric information and to assess clinical symptoms and (2) an exit interview to administer follow-up measures and explore user experience. Participants completed biweekly questionnaires (ie, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) during the trial to assess depression and anxiety symptom severity. App satisfaction was measured using 2 self-report scales (ie, Mobile Application Rating Scale and Player Experience of Needs Satisfaction scale). Engagement with The Guardians was captured using game interaction metric data. We used backward-eliminated mixed effects longitudinal models to examine the effects of app engagement and satisfaction and length of time in the study on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Content analysis was conducted on qualitative data from exit interviews. Results: The 15-day and 30-day overall app retention rates were 26.6\% and 15.1\%, respectively. Mixed effects models found significant negative main effects of week in study ($\beta$=?.35; t61=?3.05; P=.003), number of activities completed ($\beta$=?.12; t61=?2.05; P=.04), days played ($\beta$=?.12; t58=?2.9; P=.005), and satisfaction, according to the Mobile Application Rating Scale ($\beta$=?3.05; t45=?2.19; P=.03) on depressive symptoms. We have reported about similar analyses for anxiety. There is preliminary evidence suggesting harder activities are associated with greater mood improvement than easier activities. Qualitative content analysis resulted in feedback falling under the following themes: activities, app design, engagement, fit of the app with lifestyle, perceived impact of the app on mood, and suggestions for app modifications. Conclusions: Preliminary results from this multimethod study of The Guardians indicate feasibility and acceptability among pregnant women with depression. Retention and engagement levels were more than double those of previous public mental health apps, and use of the app was associated with significant decrease in depressive symptom scores over the 10-week trial. The Guardians shows promise as an effective and scalable digital intervention to support women experiencing depression. ", doi="10.2196/44029", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e44029", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38277191" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51361, author="Nguyen, C. Quynh and Aparicio, M. Elizabeth and Jasczynski, Michelle and Channell Doig, Amara and Yue, Xiaohe and Mane, Heran and Srikanth, Neha and Gutierrez, Marin Francia Ximena and Delcid, Nataly and He, Xin and Boyd-Graber, Jordan", title="Rosie, a Health Education Question-and-Answer Chatbot for New Mothers: Randomized Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Jan", day="12", volume="8", pages="e51361", keywords="chatbot", keywords="health information", keywords="maternal and child health", keywords="health disparities", keywords="health equity", keywords="health informatics", keywords="preventive health care", keywords="postpartum care", keywords="patient education", keywords="newborn care", keywords="prenatal care", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Stark disparities exist in maternal and child outcomes and there is a need to provide timely and accurate health information. Objective: In this pilot study, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a health chatbot for new mothers of color. Methods: Rosie, a question-and-answer chatbot, was developed as a mobile app and is available to answer questions about pregnancy, parenting, and child development. From January 9, 2023, to February 9, 2023, participants were recruited using social media posts and through engagement with community organizations. Inclusion criteria included being aged ?14 years, being a woman of color, and either being currently pregnant or having given birth within the past 6 months. Participants were randomly assigned to the Rosie treatment group (15/29, 52\% received the Rosie app) or control group (14/29, 48\% received a children's book each month) for 3 months. Those assigned to the treatment group could ask Rosie questions and receive an immediate response generated from Rosie's knowledgebase. Upon detection of a possible health emergency, Rosie sends emergency resources and relevant hotline information. In addition, a study staff member, who is a clinical social worker, reaches out to the participant within 24 hours to follow up. Preintervention and postintervention tests were completed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate Rosie and describe changes across key health outcomes, including postpartum depression and the frequency of emergency room visits. These measurements were used to inform the clinical trial's sample size calculations. Results: Of 41 individuals who were screened and eligible, 31 (76\%) enrolled and 29 (71\%) were retained in the study. More than 87\% (13/15) of Rosie treatment group members reported using Rosie daily (5/15, 33\%) or weekly (8/15, 53\%) across the 3-month study period. Most users reported that Rosie was easy to use (14/15, 93\%) and provided responses quickly (13/15, 87\%). The remaining issues identified included crashing of the app (8/15, 53\%), and users were not satisfied with some of Rosie's answers (12/15, 80\%). Mothers in both the Rosie treatment group and control group experienced a decline in depression scores from pretest to posttest periods, but the decline was statistically significant only among treatment group mothers (P=.008). In addition, a low proportion of treatment group infants had emergency room visits (1/11, 9\%) compared with control group members (3/13, 23\%). Nonetheless, no between-group differences reached statistical significance at P<.05. Conclusions: Rosie was found to be an acceptable, feasible, and appropriate intervention for ethnic and racial minority pregnant women and mothers of infants owing to the chatbot's ability to provide a personalized, flexible tool to increase the timeliness and accessibility of high-quality health information to individuals during a period of elevated health risks for the mother and child. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06053515; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06053515 ", doi="10.2196/51361", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e51361", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38214963" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48960, author="Henrich, Natalie and Brinson, Alison and Arnold, Alyssa and Jahnke, R. Hannah", title="Digital Health Needs and Preferences During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Jan", day="12", volume="8", pages="e48960", keywords="digital health", keywords="perinatal", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="postpartum", keywords="interviews", keywords="survey", keywords="user needs", keywords="patient centered", keywords="mixed methods", abstract="Background: Digital health is increasingly used to meet the needs of perinatal people, with estimates of pregnancy-related internet use ranging from 90\% to 97\% of pregnant people. As digital health takes on greater importance during the perinatal period, it is essential that providers and developers of digital health content understand why perinatal people use these resources and the features that enhance their experience. However, gaps remain in understanding the content that is most helpful and how the platforms are navigated. Learning directly from perinatal people about their needs will help ensure alignment between perinatal needs and available content. Objective: This formative study aims to identify the reasons why perinatal people use digital health resources; the features of the digital health platforms that are of greatest importance to them; and how these differ by perinatal stage (pregnancy vs post partum), mental health conditions, parity, and demographics (race and ethnicity). Methods: This mixed methods study used interviews; surveys; and secondary data on demographic, health, and pregnancy characteristics to identify the digital health needs and preferences of pregnant and postpartum people who used the Maven digital health platform in the United States during their pregnancy or postpartum period. The interviews informed the content of the surveys and provided additional insights and examples for interpreting the survey results. The surveys were used to collect data from a sample of Maven users, and the results were linked to the secondary data set. The interviews were thematically analyzed, and survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stratified by parity, race, and mental health status. Results: Overall, 13 people were interviewed (including n=4, 31\% pilot interviews), and 147 pregnancy and 110 postpartum survey respondents completed the surveys and had linkable secondary data. Top reasons for using digital health resources during pregnancy were to (1) know what is normal or typical during pregnancy, (2) have access to a health care provider when needed, and (3) know how the baby is developing. Top reasons for postpartum use were to (1) help with breastfeeding, (2) know what normal baby development is, and (3) help with the baby's health issues. Top platform features during pregnancy and the postpartum period were (1) credible and trustworthy information and providers, (2) nonjudgmental information and support, and (3) no cost to the user. In general, more reasons for using digital resources were identified as extremely important during pregnancy compared with post partum. The results showed minor variations across strata. Conclusions: This formative research found minor differences in digital resource needs and preferences across user characteristics among perinatal people in the United States. Future work should examine whether there are variations in interests within topics by user characteristics, which may provide additional opportunities to better meet user needs. ", doi="10.2196/48960", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e48960", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38214971" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/50512, author="Yang, Ting and Wu, Yihan and Han, Nuo and Liu, Tianli", title="Chinese Women's Concept of Childbirth Based on the Social Media Topic ``What Does Childbirth Mean to a Woman'': Content and Thematic Analysis", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Jan", day="5", volume="7", pages="e50512", keywords="childbirth willingness", keywords="social media", keywords="risk perception", keywords="childbirth cost", keywords="childbirth benefit", abstract="Background: In recent years, women's fertility desire has attracted increasing attention in China. Objective: This study aims to detect attitudes toward giving birth among young female users on Douban, a very popular Chinese social media platform. Methods: A total of 2634 valid posts from 2489 users discussing the topic ``What does childbirth mean to a woman'' on Douban were crawled and retained for analysis. We utilized content and thematic analysis methods to capture users' concepts of childbirth. Results: The findings reveal that a significant majority of users conveyed generally neutral (1060/2634, 40.24\%) or negative (1051/2634, 39.90\%) attitudes toward childbirth, while only about one-fifth of users expressed positive (523/2634, 19.86\%) sentiments. Notably, posts with negative attitudes garnered more replies and likes, and the proportion of posts expressing negativity exhibited fluctuations over time. Health risk (339/2634, 12.87\%) emerged as the most frequently cited aspect of childbirth cost, with subjective happiness and the fulfillment of mental needs identified as primary benefits. Surprisingly, only a minimal number of posts (10/2634, 0.38\%) touched upon the traditional objective benefits of raising children for old-age care. Thematic analysis results suggest that discussions about fertility on social media platforms might contribute to an exaggerated perception of health risks among women. Additionally, a lack of knowledge about childbirth was observed, partially attributable to longstanding neglect and avoidance of communication on these matters, likely influenced by traditional cultural biases. Moreover, there is a prevailing assumption that women should naturally sacrifice themselves for childbirth and childcare, influenced by the idealization of the female figure. Consequently, women may harbor hesitations about having a baby, fearing the potential loss of their own identity in the process. Conclusions: The results indicate a shift in the perception of childbirth among modern Chinese women over time, influenced by their increasing social status and the pursuit of self-realization. Implementing strategies such as public education on the health risks associated with pregnancy and delivery, safeguarding women's rights, and creating a supportive environment for mothers may enhance women's willingness to undergo childbirth. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/preprints.50468 ", doi="10.2196/50512", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e50512", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38180784" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53933, author="Balsam, Donna and Bounds, T. Dawn and Rahmani, M. Amir and Nyamathi, Adeline", title="Evaluating the Impact of an App-Delivered Mindfulness Meditation Program to Reduce Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy: Pilot Longitudinal Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="Dec", day="25", volume="6", pages="e53933", keywords="mindfulness app", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="pregnant", keywords="maternal", keywords="obstetric", keywords="obstetrics", keywords="stress", keywords="anxiety", keywords="heart rate variability", keywords="mindfulness", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="app", keywords="apps", keywords="applications", keywords="mental health", keywords="meditation", keywords="mind-body", keywords="complementary", keywords="alternative", keywords="heart rate", keywords="sleep", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Stress and anxiety during pregnancy are extremely prevalent and are associated with numerous poor outcomes, among the most serious of which are increased rates of preterm birth and low birth weight infants. Research supports that while in-person mindfulness training is effective in reducing pregnancy stress and anxiety, there are barriers limiting accessibility. Objective: The aim of this paper is to determine if mindfulness meditation training with the Headspace app is effective for stress and anxiety reduction during pregnancy. Methods: A longitudinal, single-arm trial was implemented with 20 pregnant women who were instructed to practice meditation via the Headspace app twice per day during the month-long trial. Validated scales were used to measure participant's levels of stress and anxiety pre- and postintervention. Physiological measures reflective of stress (heart rate variability and sleep) were collected via the Oura Ring. Results: Statistically significant reductions were found in self-reported levels of stress (P=.005), anxiety (P=.01), and pregnancy anxiety (P<.0001). Hierarchical linear modeling revealed a statistically significant reduction in the physiological data reflective of stress in 1 of 6 heart rate variability metrics, the low-frequency power band, which decreased by 13\% (P=.006). A total of 65\% of study participants (n=13) reported their sleep improved during the trial, and 95\% (n=19) stated that learning mindfulness helped with other aspects of their lives. Participant retention was 100\%, with 65\% of participants (n=13) completing about two-thirds of the intervention, and 50\% of participants (n=10) completing ?95\%. Conclusions: This study found evidence to support the Headspace app as an effective intervention to aid in stress and anxiety reduction during pregnancy. ", doi="10.2196/53933", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e53933", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38145479" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46910, author="Hao, Jie and Yang, Lin and Wang, Yaxin and Lan, Yushan and Xu, Xiaowei and Wang, Ziyang and Li, Zanmei and Ma, Liangkun and Li, Jiao and Zhang, Suhan and Sun, Yin", title="Mobile Prenatal Education and Its Impact on Reducing Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Retrospective Real-World Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2023", month="Dec", day="20", volume="11", pages="e46910", keywords="adverse pregnancy outcome", keywords="mobile prenatal education", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="real-world study", keywords="retrospective study", 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. ", doi="10.2196/46910", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e46910", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38117555" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49578, author="Memon, Zahid and Ahmed, Wardah and Muhammad, Shah and Soofi, Sajid and Chohan, Shanti and Rizvi, Arjumand and Barach, Paul and Bhutta, A. Zulfiqar", title="Facility-Based Audit System With Integrated Community Engagement to Improve Maternal and Perinatal Health Outcomes in Rural Pakistan: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Implementation Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Nov", day="30", volume="12", pages="e49578", keywords="audit system", keywords="perinatal outcome", keywords="neonatal mortality", keywords="stillbirth", keywords="maternal", keywords="mortality", keywords="implementation research", keywords="death audit", abstract="Background: Maternal and newborn mortality in Pakistan remains as a major public health challenge. Pakistan faces significant infrastructure challenges and inadequate access to quality health care, exacerbated by sociocultural factors. Facility-based audit systems coupled with community engagement are key elements in achieving improved health system performance. We describe an implementation approach adapted from the World Health Organization audit cycle in real-world settings, with a plan to scale-up through mixed methods evaluation plan. Objective: This study aims to implement a locally acceptable and relevant audit system and evaluate its feasibility within the rural health system of Pakistan for scale-up. Methods: The implementation of the audit system comprises six phases: (1) identify facility and community leadership through consultative meetings with government district health offices, (2) establish the audit committee under the supervision of district health officer, (3) initiate audit with ongoing community engagement, (4) train the audit committee members, (5) launch the World Health Organization audit cycle (monthly meetings), and (6) quarterly review and refresher training. Data from all deliveries, live births, maternal deaths, maternal near misses, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths will be identified and recorded from four sources: (1) secondary-level care rural health facilities, (2) lady health workers' registers, (3) community representatives, and (4) project routine survey team. Concurrent quantitative and qualitative data will be drawn from case assessments, process analysis, and recommendations as components of iterative improvement cycles during the project. Outcomes will be the geographic distribution of mortality to measure the reach, proportion of facilities initiated to implement an audit system for measuring the adoption, proportion of audit committees with community representation, and proportion of audit committee members' sharing feedback regularly to measure acceptability and feasibility. In addition, outcomes of effectiveness will be measured based on data recording and reporting trends, identified modifiable factors for mortality and morbidity as underpinned by the Three Delays framework. Qualitative data will be analyzed based on perceived facilitators, barriers, and lessons learned for policy implications. Results will be summarized in frequencies and percentages and triangulated by the project team. Data will be analyzed using Stata (version 16; StataCorp) and NVivo (Lumivero) software. Results: The study will be implemented for 20 months, followed by an additional 4-month period for follow-up. Initial results will be presented to the district health office and the District Health Program Management Team Meeting in the districts. Conclusions: This study will generate evidence about the feasibility and potential scale-up of a facility-based mortality audit system with integrated community engagement in rural Pakistan. Audit committees will complete the feedback loop linking health care providers, community representatives, and district health officials (policy makers). This implementation approach will serve decision makers in improving maternal and perinatal health outcomes. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/49578 ", doi="10.2196/49578", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e49578", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38032708" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/50867, author="Ajayi, Toluwalase and Pawelek, Jeff and Bhargava, Hansa and Faksh, Arij and Radin, Jennifer", title="Self-Reported Medication Use Across Racial and Rural or Urban Subgroups of People Who Are Pregnant in the United States: Decentralized App-Based Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Nov", day="28", volume="7", pages="e50867", keywords="prenatal care", keywords="maternal health", keywords="digital study", keywords="underrepresented in biomedical research", keywords="pregnant", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="medications", keywords="vaccinations", keywords="vitamins", abstract="Background: Maternal health outcomes have been underresearched due to people who are pregnant being underrepresented or excluded from studies based on their status as a vulnerable study population. Based on the available evidence, Black people who are pregnant have dramatically higher maternal morbidity and mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups. However, insights into prenatal care---including the use of medications, immunizations, and prenatal vitamins---are not well understood for pregnant populations, particularly those that are underrepresented in biomedical research. Medication use has been particularly understudied in people who are pregnant; even though it has been shown that up to 95\% of people who are pregnant take at least 1 or more medications. Understanding gaps in use could help identify ways to reduce maternal disparities and optimize maternal health outcomes. Objective: We aimed to characterize and compare the use of prenatal vitamins, immunizations, and commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medications among people who are pregnant, those self-identifying as Black versus non-Black, and those living in rural versus urban regions in the United States. Methods: We conducted a prospective, decentralized study of 4130 pregnant study participants who answered survey questionnaires using a mobile research app that was only available on iOS (Apple Inc) devices. All people who were pregnant, living in the United States, and comfortable with reading and writing in English were eligible. The study was conducted in a decentralized fashion with the use of a research app to facilitate enrollment using an eConsent and self-reported data collection. Results: Within the study population, the use of prenatal vitamins, antiemetics, antidepressants, and pain medication varied significantly among different subpopulations underrepresented in biomedical research. Black participants reported significantly lower frequencies of prenatal vitamin use compared to non-Black participants (P<.001). The frequency of participants who were currently receiving treatment for anxiety and depression was also lower among Black and rural groups compared to their non-Black and urban counterparts, respectively. There was significantly lower use of antidepressants (P=.002) and antiemetics (P=.02) among Black compared to non-Black participants. While prenatal vitamin use was lower among participants in rural areas, the difference between rural and urban groups did not reach statistical significance (P=.08). There were no significant differences in vaccine uptake for influenza or tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (TDaP) across race, ethnicity, rural, or urban status. Conclusions: A prospective, decentralized app-based study demonstrated significantly lower use of prenatal vitamins, antiemetics, and antidepressants among Black pregnant participants. Additionally, significantly fewer Black and rural participants reported receiving treatment for anxiety and depression during pregnancy. Future research dedicated to identifying the root mechanisms of these differences can help improve maternal health outcomes, specifically for diverse communities. ", doi="10.2196/50867", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e50867", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38015604" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46152, author="Lewkowitz, K. Adam and Rubin-Miller, Lily and Jahnke, R. Hannah and Clark, A. Melissa and Zlotnick, Caron and Miller, S. Emily and Henrich, Natalie", title="Demographic and Support Interest Differences Among Nonbirthing Parents Using a Digital Health Platform With Parenthood-Related Anxiety: Cross-Sectional Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="Nov", day="20", volume="6", pages="e46152", keywords="nonbirthing parent", keywords="paternal mental health", keywords="perinatal anxiety", keywords="parenting anxiety", keywords="digital health", keywords="anxiety", keywords="perinatal", keywords="mental health support", keywords="digital platform", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="parents", keywords="spouse", keywords="partners", keywords="support", keywords="support groups", keywords="online support", abstract="Background: The transition to parenthood is a period of major stressors and increased risk of anxiety for all parents. Though rates of perinatal anxiety are similar among women (4\%-25\%) and men (3\%-25\%), perinatal anxiety research on nonbirthing partners remains limited. Objective: We aimed to examine whether demographic characteristics or digital perinatal support preferences differed among nonbirthing partners with compared to without self-reported high parenthood-related anxiety. Methods: In this large cross-sectional study of nonbirthing partners using a digital perinatal health platform during their partner's pregnancy, users reported their parenthood-related anxiety through a 5-item Likert scale in response to the prompt ``On a scale of 1=None to 5=Extremely, how anxious are you feeling about parenthood?'' High parenthood-related anxiety was defined as reporting being very or extremely anxious about parenthood. During the onboarding survey, in response to the question ``Which areas are you most interested in receiving support in?'' users selected as many support interests as they desired from a list of options. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare demographic characteristics and support interests of nonbirthing partners with low versus high parenthood anxiety. Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratios (ORs), with 95\% CIs, of high parenthood-related anxiety with each user characteristic or digital support interest. Results: Among 2756 nonbirthing partners enrolled in the digital platform during their partner's pregnancy, 2483 (90.1\%) were men, 1668 (71.9\%) were first-time parents, 1159 (42.1\%) were non-Hispanic White, and 1652 (50.9\%) endorsed an annual household income of >US \$100,000. Overall, 2505 (91.9\%) reported some amount of parenthood-related anxiety, and 437 (15.9\%) had high parenthood-related anxiety. High parenthood-related anxiety was more common among non-White nonbirthing partners: compared to those who identified as non-Hispanic White, those who identified as Asian, Black, or Hispanic had 2.39 (95\% CI 1.85-3.08), 2.01 (95\% CI 1.20-3.23), and 1.68 (95\% CI 1.15-2.41) times the odds of high parenthood-related anxiety, respectively. Lower household income was associated with increased odds of reporting high parenthood anxiety, with the greatest effect among those with annual incomes of US \$100,000 (OR 2.13, 95\% CI 1.32-3.34). In general, nonbirthing partners were interested in receiving digital support during their partner's pregnancy, but those with high parenthood-related anxiety were more likely to desire digital support for all support interests compared to those without high parenthood anxiety. Those with high parenthood-related anxiety had more than 2 times higher odds of requesting digital education about their emotional health compared to those without high parenthood-related anxiety (OR 2.06, 95\% CI 1.67-2.55). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the need for perinatal anxiety-related support for all nonbirthing partners and identify nonbirthing partners' demographic characteristics that increase the odds of endorsing high parenthood-related anxiety. Additionally, these findings suggest that most nonbirthing partners using a digital health platform with high parenthood-related anxiety desire to receive perinatal mental health support. ", doi="10.2196/46152", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e46152" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45671, author="Koenig, R. Leah and Becker, Andr{\'e}a and Ko, Jennifer and Upadhyay, D. Ushma", title="The Role of Telehealth in Promoting Equitable Abortion Access in the United States: Spatial Analysis", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2023", month="Nov", day="7", volume="9", pages="e45671", keywords="telehealth", keywords="abortion", keywords="spatial analysis", keywords="health equity", keywords="barriers", keywords="abortion access", keywords="legal", keywords="young people", keywords="remote", keywords="rural", abstract="Background: Even preceding the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, patients in the United States faced exceptional barriers to reach abortion providers. Abortion restrictions disproportionately limited abortion access among people of color, young people, and those living on low incomes. Presently, clinics in states where abortion remains legal are experiencing an influx of out-of-state patients and wait times for in-person appointments are increasing. Direct-to-patient telehealth for abortion care has expanded since its introduction in the United States in 2020. However, the role of this telehealth model in addressing geographic barriers to and inequities in abortion access remains unclear. Objective: We sought to examine the amount of travel that patients averted by using telehealth for abortion care, and the role of telehealth in mitigating inequities in abortion access by race or ethnicity, age, pregnancy duration, socioeconomic status, rural residence, and distance to a facility. Methods: We used geospatial analyses and data from patients in the California Home Abortion by Telehealth Study, residing in 31 states and Washington DC, who obtained telehealth abortion care at 1 of 3 virtual abortion clinics. We used patients' residential ZIP code data and data from US abortion facility locations to document the round-trip driving distance in miles, driving time, and public transit time to the nearest abortion facility that patients averted by using telehealth abortion services from April 2021 to January 2022, before the Dobbs decision. We used binomial regression to assess whether patients reported that telehealth was more likely to make it possible to access a timely abortion among patients of color, those experiencing food insecurity, younger patients, those with longer pregnancy durations, rural patients, and those residing further from their closest abortion facility. Results: The 6027 patients averted a median of 10 (IQR 5-26) miles and 25 (IQR 14-46) minutes of round-trip driving, and 1 hour 25 minutes (IQR 46 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes) of round-trip public transit time. Among a subsample of 1586 patients surveyed, 43\% (n=683) reported that telehealth made it possible to obtain timely abortion care. Telehealth was most likely to make it possible to have a timely abortion for younger patients (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.4, 95\% CI 1.2-1.6) for patients younger than 25 years of age compared to those 35 years of age or older), rural patients (PR 1.4, 95\% CI 1.2-1.6), those experiencing food insecurity (PR 1.3, 95\% CI 1.1-1.4), and those who averted over 100 miles of driving to their closest abortion facility (PR 1.6, 95\% CI 1.3-1.9). Conclusions: These findings support the role of telehealth in reducing abortion-related travel barriers in states where abortion remains legal, especially among patient populations who already face structural barriers to abortion care. Restrictions on telehealth abortion threaten health equity. ", doi="10.2196/45671", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e45671", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37934583" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51132, author="Mills-Koonce, Roger W. and Grewen, Karen and O'Shea, Gottredson Nisha and Pearson, Brenda and Strange, Grace Chelsea and Meltzer-Brody, E. Samantha and Guintivano, Dolph Jerry and Stuebe, M. Alison", title="The Mood, Mother and Child Study: Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Study and Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Oct", day="26", volume="12", pages="e51132", keywords="maternal depression", keywords="oxytocin", keywords="hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis", keywords="HPA axis", keywords="parenting", keywords="executive functioning", keywords="socioemotional development", abstract="Background: Perinatal depression affects >400,000 mother-child dyads in the United States every year and is associated with numerous adverse maternal and child developmental outcomes. Previous research implicates the dysregulation of oxytocin and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in mothers and children as potential mechanisms mediating or moderating the transmission of risk associated with maternal depression. Objective: The Mood, Mother and Child study will examine the psychobiological sources of risk and resilience within mother-child dyads affected by maternal depression. This manuscript describes (1) the study rationale and aims, (2) the research design and procedures and how they were altered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and (3) the data analysis plan to test the study hypotheses. Methods: This is a prospective longitudinal study with an embedded randomized controlled trial that examines (1) correlations among postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms, maternal and child oxytocin and HPA axis functioning, and child developmental outcomes and (2) the causal relationship between exogenous oxytocin and HPA reactivity. This study is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development with institutional review board approval. Results: Recruitment and data collection have commenced, and the expected results will be available in 2024. Analyses are presented for testing the proposed hypotheses. Conclusions: The unique combination of a prospective longitudinal research design with an embedded randomized controlled trial will allow the Mood, Mother and Child study to apply a developmental lens to the study of maternal depression and anxiety symptoms from birth to middle childhood and the psychobiological mechanisms promoting risk and resiliency for both mother and child outcomes. This will be the first study that simultaneously evaluates (1) the role of oxytocin using multiple methodologies, (2) the causal relationships between exogenous oxytocin and HPA axis functioning among mothers with differing levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, and (3) the multiple mediating and moderating roles of parenting behaviors and maternal and child psychobiological characteristics. The goals of these aims are to provide insights into the psychobiological effects of oxytocin in women and inform future clinical trials to treat perinatal mood disorders. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03593473; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03593473 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/51132 ", doi="10.2196/51132", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e51132", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37883133" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48934, author="Facca, Danica and Hall, Jodi and Hiebert, Bradley and Donelle, Lorie", title="Understanding the Tensions of ``Good Motherhood'' Through Women's Digital Technology Use: Descriptive Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="Oct", day="25", volume="6", pages="e48934", keywords="motherhood", keywords="parenting", keywords="digital health", keywords="apps", keywords="social media", keywords="mother", keywords="parent", keywords="technology use", keywords="use", keywords="computer use", keywords="interview", keywords="interviews", keywords="perspective", keywords="perspectives", keywords="mothers", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Research suggests that expectant and new mothers consult and value information gathered from digital technologies, such as pregnancy-specific mobile apps and social media platforms, to support their transition to parenting. Notably, this transitional context can be rich with profound physiological, psychological, and emotional fluctuation for women as they cope with the demands of new parenting and navigate the cultural expectations of ``good motherhood.'' Given the ways in which digital technologies can both support and hinder women's perceptions of their parenting abilities, understanding expectant and new mothers' experiences using digital technologies and the tensions that may arise from such use during the transition to parenting period warrants nuanced exploration. Objective: This study aims to understand mothers' use of digital technologies during the transition to parenting period. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in a predominantly urban region of Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies were implemented to recruit participants who had become a parent within the previous 24 months. Researchers conducted focus groups using a semistructured interview guide with 26 women. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results: Participants' experiences of using digital technologies in the transition to parenting period were captured within the overarching theme ``balancing the tensions of digital technology use in the transition to parenting'' and 4 subthemes: self-comparison on social media, second-guessing parenting practices, communities of support, and trusting intuition over technology. Although digital technologies purportedly offered ``in-the-moment'' access to community support and health information, this came at a cost to mothers, as they described feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt that provoked them to question and hold in contention whether they were a good mother and using technology in a morally upright manner. Conclusions: These findings raise critical questions concerning the promotion and commercialization of digital technologies and the ways in which they can further push the boundaries of hegemonic parenting practices, provoke feelings of inadequacy, and compromise well-being among expectant and new mothers. ", doi="10.2196/48934", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e48934", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37878372" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46663, author="Cheung, Wang Ka and Au, Sin-Tung Tiffany and Wai, On Joan Kar and Seto, Tin-Yan Mimi", title="Perceptions and Challenges of Telehealth Obstetric Clinics Among Pregnant Women in Hong Kong: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Sep", day="19", volume="25", pages="e46663", keywords="delivery", keywords="digital", keywords="portable electronic applications", keywords="smartphone", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="virtual clinics", keywords="telehealth", keywords="telemedicine", abstract="Background: Integrating telehealth in an obstetric care model is important to prepare for possible infection outbreaks that require social distancing and limit in-person consultations. To ensure the successful implementation of obstetric telehealth in Hong Kong, it is essential to understand and address pregnant women's concerns. Objective: This study aimed to assess pregnant women's attitudes, concerns, and perceptions regarding telehealth obstetric clinic services in Hong Kong. Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional questionnaire study at Queen Mary Hospital between November 2021 and August 2022. Utilizing a 5-point rating scale, the questionnaire aimed to capture pregnant women's preferences, expectations, feasibility perceptions, and privacy concerns related to telehealth clinic services. We used statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression, to compare questionnaire responses and investigate the association between advancing gestation and attitudes toward telehealth clinics. Results: The study included 664 participants distributed across different pregnancy stages: 269 (40.5\%) before 18 gestational weeks, 198 (29.8\%) between 24 and 31 weeks, and 197 (29.7\%) after delivery. Among them, 49.8\% (329/664) favored face-to-face consultations over telehealth clinics, and only 7.3\% (48/664) believed the opposite. Additionally, 24.2\% (161/664) agreed that telehealth clinics should be launched for obstetric services. However, the overall preference for telehealth clinics was <20\% for routine prenatal checkups (81/664, 12.2\%) and addressing pregnancy-related concerns, such as vaginal bleeding (76/664, 11.5\%), vaginal discharge (128/664, 19.4\%), reduced fetal movement (64/664, 9.7\%), uterine contractions (62/664, 9.4\%), and suspected leakage of amniotic fluid (54/664, 8.2\%). Conversely, 76.4\% (507/664) preferred telehealth clinics to in-person visits for prenatal education talks, prenatal and postpartum exercise, and addressing breastfeeding problems. Participants were more comfortable with telehealth clinic tasks for tasks like explaining pregnancy exam results (418/664, 63.1\%), self-administering urinary dipsticks at home (373/664, 56.4\%), medical history-taking (341/664, 51.5\%), and self-monitoring blood pressure using an electronic machine (282/664, 42.8\%). \%). During the postpartum period, compared to before 18 weeks of gestation, significantly more participants agreed that telehealth clinics could be an option for assessing physical symptoms such as vaginal bleeding (aOR 2.105, 95\% CI 1.448-3.059), reduced fetal movement (aOR 1.575, 95\% CI 1.058-2.345), uterine contractions (aOR 2.906, 95\% CI 1.945-4.342), suspected leakage of amniotic fluid (aOR 2.609, 95\% CI 1.721-3.954), fever (aOR 1.526, 95\% CI 1.109-2.100), and flu-like symptoms (aOR 1.412, 95\% CI 1.030-1.936). They were also more confident with measuring the symphysis-fundal height, arranging further investigations, and making diagnoses with the doctor via the telehealth clinic. The main perceived public health advantage of telehealth clinics was the shorter traveling and waiting time (526/664, 79.2\%), while the main concern was legal issues from wrong diagnosis and treatment (511/664, 77.4\%). Conclusions: Face-to-face consultation remained the preferred mode of consultation among the participants. However, telehealth clinics could be an alternative for services that do not require physical examination or contact. An increased acceptance of and confidence in telehealth was found with advancing gestation and after delivery. Enforcing stricter laws and guidelines could facilitate the implementation of telehealth clinics and increase confidence in their use among pregnant women for obstetric care. ", doi="10.2196/46663", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e46663", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37725425" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/43654, author="Sewpaul, Ronel and Resnicow, Ken and Crutzen, Rik and Dukhi, Natisha and Ellahebokus, Afzal and Reddy, Priscilla", title="A Tailored mHealth Intervention for Improving Antenatal Care Seeking and Health Behavioral Determinants During Pregnancy Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa: Development and Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Sep", day="13", volume="12", pages="e43654", keywords="antenatal care", keywords="adolescent girls and young women", keywords="AGYW", keywords="adolescent pregnancy", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="tailoring", keywords="motivational interviewing", keywords="South Africa", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: South Africa, a middle-income country, has an adolescent fertility rate far higher than that of high-income countries. Adolescent girls and young women have an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications and lower antenatal appointment attendance rates than older adult pregnant women. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions to improve health behaviors among pregnant adolescent girls and young women in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. Objective: This paper describes the development and components of an mHealth intervention to improve antenatal appointment attendance and health behavioral determinants among pregnant adolescent girls and young women in South Africa and details the protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial that evaluated the intervention's efficacy and user acceptability. Methods: The intervention, Teen MomConnect, sent tailored motivational behavior change and behavioral reinforcement SMS text messages to participants about antenatal appointment keeping and pregnancy behaviors. The delivery methodology of the intervention was adapted from MomConnect, an mHealth education program for pregnant women in South Africa that has nationwide coverage. In addition, participants received a face-to-face motivational interviewing session delivered by a trained research assistant. Pregnant adolescent girls and young women aged 13 to 20 years were recruited from health facilities and community networks. Participants were randomized into the control group that received the standard MomConnect health SMS text messages or the experimental group that received the Teen MomConnect intervention. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire upon enrollment in the study and a follow-up questionnaire after the end of their pregnancy. The questionnaires assessed demographic characteristics, pregnancy behaviors, and the psychosocial determinants of antenatal appointment attendance (knowledge, attitudes, social support, risk perceptions, self-efficacy, intention, and action planning). Feasibility was assessed using descriptive analyses of acceptability, study implementation processes, and perceived satisfaction with the intervention. The number of appointments attended was obtained from the participants' clinic records. Appointment attendance was compared between the control and experimental groups, as were awareness of HIV status and the psychosocial determinants of antenatal appointment attendance. Results: Participant recruitment was conducted from May 2018 to December 2018, and the questionnaire-based data collection was completed by December 2019. Overall, 412 participants were enrolled. Conclusions: This paper describes the Teen MomConnect intervention to improve antenatal appointment attendance and pregnancy health behaviors among adolescent girls and young women. The results on the intervention's preliminary efficacy and user acceptability will inform policy makers and health program officers on how tailored, age-appropriate, and motivational health behavior messages can be delivered via mobile phone to pregnant adolescent girls and young women. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR) PACTR201912734889796; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=9565 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/43654 ", doi="10.2196/43654", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e43654", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37703092" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42686, author="Lanssens, Dorien and Vandenberk, Thijs and Storms, Valerie and Thijs, Inge and Grieten, Lars and Bamelis, Lotte and Gyselaers, Wilfried and Tang, Eileen and Luyten, Patrick", title="Changes in Intrapersonal Factors of Participants in the Pregnancy Remote Monitoring Study Who Are at Risk for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: Descriptive Quantitative Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Sep", day="6", volume="25", pages="e42686", keywords="intrapersonal factors", keywords="peripartum period", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="pregnancy-induced hypertension", keywords="remote monitoring", abstract="Background: The peripartum period, defined as the period from the beginning of the gestation until 1 year after the delivery, has long been shown to be potentially associated with increased levels of stress and anxiety with regard to one's transition to the status of parent and the accompanying parental tasks. Yet, no research to date has investigated changes in intrapersonal factors during the peripartum period in women at risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Objective: The aim of this study is to explore and describe changes in intrapersonal factors in participants at risk for PIH. Methods: We used an explorative design in which 3 questionnaires were sent by email to 110 participants the day following enrollment in the Pregnancy Remote Monitoring program for pregnant women at risk for PIH. Women were invited to complete the questionnaires at the beginning of their participation in the Pregnancy Remote Monitoring project (mostly at 14 weeks of gestation) and after approaching 32 weeks of gestational age (GA). The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to assess anxiety and depression, and adaptation of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale was used to measure trait pain catastrophizing. Results: Scores were significantly higher at 32 weeks of GA than at the moment of enrollment (GAD-7 score=7, range 4-11 vs 5, range 3-8; P=.01; and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score=6, range 4-10 vs 4, range 2-7; P<.001). The subscale scores of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale were all lower at 32 weeks of GA compared with 14 weeks of GA (rumination: 4, range 1-6 vs 5, range 2-9.5; P=.11; magnification: 3, range 1-5.5 vs 4, range 3-7; P=.04; and helplessness: 5, range 2-9 vs 6, range 3.5-12; P=.06). The proportion of women with a risk for depression (GAD-7 score >10) was 13.3\% (10/75) at enrollment and had increased to 35.6\% (26/75) at 32 weeks of GA. Conclusions: This study shows that pregnant women at risk for PIH have higher levels of stress and anxiety at 32 weeks of GA than at the moment of enrollment. Further research is recommended to investigate potential strategies to help pregnant women at risk for PIH manage feelings of stress and anxiety. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03246737; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03246737 ", doi="10.2196/42686", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e42686", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37672324" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/43837, author="Haramati, Sharon and Firsow, Anastasia and Navarro, Abigail Daniela and Shechter, Ravid", title="Novel At-Home Mother's Milk Conductivity Sensing Technology as an Identification System of Delay in Milk Secretory Activation Progress and Early Breastfeeding Problems: Feasibility Assessment", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="Aug", day="22", volume="6", pages="e43837", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="feasibility", keywords="human milk", keywords="biomarker", keywords="remote sensing technology", keywords="mobile health", keywords="retrospective", keywords="secretory activation", keywords="lactogenesis", keywords="milk supply", keywords="milk", keywords="sensing technology", keywords="monitoring tool", keywords="lactation", keywords="exclusive breastfeeding", keywords="breastfeed", keywords="maternal health", keywords="maternal and infant health", keywords="infant health", keywords="maternal and child health", keywords="prolactin", keywords="lactation consultant", keywords="lactation support provider", keywords="mother", keywords="milk maturation", abstract="Background: Prolonged exclusive breastfeeding is a public health priority and a personal desire by mothers; however, rates are low with milk supply challenges as a predominant cause. Early breastfeeding management at home is key. Milk electrolytes, mainly sodium ions, are accepted as biomarkers of secretory activation processes throughout the first weeks after birth and predictors for prolonged breastfeeding success, although they are not incorporated into routine care practice. Objective: The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a novel handheld smartphone-operated milk conductivity sensing system that was designed to compute a novel parameter, milk maturation percent (MM\%), calculated from milk sample conductivity for tracking individual secretory activation progress in a real-world home setting. Methods: System performance was initially evaluated in data collected from laboratory-based milk analysis, followed by a retrospective analysis of observational real-world data gathered with the system, on the spot in an at-home setting, implemented by lactation support providers or directly by mothers (N=592). Data collected included milk sample sensing data, baby age, and self-reported breastfeeding status and breastfeeding-related conditions. The data were retroactively classified in a day after birth--dependent manner. Results were compared between groups classified according to breastfeeding exclusivity and breastfeeding problems associated with ineffective breastfeeding and low milk supply. Results: Laboratory analysis in a set of breast milk samples demonstrated a strong correlation between the system's results and sodium ion levels. In the real-world data set, a total of 1511 milk sensing records were obtained on the spot with over 592 real-world mothers. Data gathered with the system revealed a typical time-dependent increase in the milk maturation parameter (MM\%), characterized by an initial steep increase, followed by a moderate increase, and reaching a plateau during the first weeks postpartum. Additionally, MM\% levels captured by the system were found to be sensitive to breastfeeding status classifications of exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding problems, manifested by differences in group means in the several-day range after birth, predominantly during the first weeks postpartum. Differences could also be demonstrated for the per-case time after birth--dependent progress in individual mothers. Conclusions: This feasibility study demonstrates that the use of smart milk conductivity sensing technology can provide a robust, objective measure of individual breastfeeding efficiency, facilitating remote data collection within a home setting. This system holds considerable potential to augment both self-monitoring and remote breastfeeding management capabilities, as well as to refine clinical classifications. To further validate the clinical relevance and potential of this home milk monitoring tool, future controlled clinical studies are necessary, which will provide insights into its impact on user and care provider satisfaction and its potential to meet breastfeeding success goals. ", doi="10.2196/43837", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e43837", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37464893" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47519, author="Adams, Joyce Yenupini and Agbenyo, Stephen John", title="Improving the Quality of Postpartum Care in Ghana: Protocol for a Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Aug", day="22", volume="12", pages="e47519", keywords="postpartum care", keywords="postnatal care", keywords="maternal mortality", keywords="Ghana", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="protocol", abstract="Background: Although the postpartum period poses substantial risks and can result in significant maternal morbidity and mortality, postpartum care of the mother receives much less attention in transitional countries. Objective: We describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial to implement and evaluate a postpartum care delivery model titled Focused-PPC (Focused Postpartum Care). Methods: Focused-PPC is an integrated group postpartum care model that meets the clinical care, education, and support needs of mothers up to 1 year after birth. The Focused-PPC intervention is a parallel randomized controlled trial with a total of 192 postpartum women at 4 health centers in Tamale, Ghana. Participants will be randomized into 1 of 2 trial arms at a 1:1 allocation ratio: (1) the control arm, which receives the standard postnatal care currently delivered in health facilities, or (2) the intervention arm, which receives the Focused-PPC model of care. Women enrolled in the intervention arm will receive postpartum clinical assessments and education for the first 6 weeks and will continue to receive education, measures of vital signs, and peer support for 12 months post partum during child welfare visits. Led by trained midwives, each postpartum group in the intervention arm will meet at 1-2 weeks, 6 weeks, and monthly thereafter for up to 1 year post partum, following the Ghana Health Service postnatal care schedule. Results: The Focused-PPC guide, data collection tools, and audiovisual education materials were successfully developed and translated into the local language. We have enrolled and conducted baseline surveys for 192 women (sample size met) in the Focused-PPC trial who have been randomized into intervention and control arms. We have established a total of 12 Focused-PPC groups in the intervention arm, 3 groups from each site, all of which have sessions underway. Conclusions: Focused-PPC has the potential to change the postpartum care delivery model in Ghana and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05280951; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05280951 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/47519 ", doi="10.2196/47519", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e47519", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37606965" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44701, author="K{\"o}tting, Lukas and Derksen, Christina and Keller, Maria Franziska and Lippke, Sonia", title="Comparing the Effectiveness of a Web-Based Application With a Digital Live Seminar to Improve Safe Communication for Pregnant Women: 3-Group Partially Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="Jul", day="24", volume="6", pages="e44701", keywords="Health Action Process Approach", keywords="HAPA", keywords="intention", keywords="safe communication behavior", keywords="patient safety", keywords="obstetric patients", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="web-based app", abstract="Background: Medical internet interventions such as asynchronous apps and synchronous digital live seminars can be effective behavior change interventions. The research question of this study was whether digital interventions based on the Health Action Process Approach can improve pregnant women's safe communication and patient safety in obstetric care. Objective: This study aims to compare a digital live seminar with a web-based application intervention and a passive control group and to identify which social cognitive variables determine safe communication behavior and patient safety. Methods: In total, 657 pregnant women were recruited, and hereof, 367 expectant mothers from 2 German university hospitals participated in the pre-post study (live seminar: n=142; web-based app: n=81; passive control group: n=144). All interventions targeted intention, planning, self-efficacy, and communication of personal preferences. The 2.5-hour midwife-assisted live seminar included exercises on empathy and clear communication. The fully automated web-based application consisted of 9 consecutive training lessons with the same content as that of the live seminar. Results: Controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, repeated measures analyses of covariance revealed that pregnant women significantly improved their self-reported communication behavior in all groups. The improvement was more pronounced after the digital live seminar than after the web-based application (P<.001; $\eta$p2=0.043). Perceived patient safety improved more for pregnant women participating in the live seminar than for those participating in the web-based application group (P=.03 $\eta$p2=0.015). A regression analysis revealed that social cognitive variables predicted safe communication behavior. Conclusions: Overall, the web-based application intervention appeared to be less effective than the digital live training in terms of communication behavior. Application interventions addressing communication behaviors might require more face-to-face elements. Improving intention, coping planning, and coping self-efficacy appeared to be key drivers in developing safe communication behavior in pregnant women. Future research should include social learning aspects and focus on the practical application of medical internet interventions when aiming to improve pregnant women's communication and patient safety in obstetrics. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03855735; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03855735 ", doi="10.2196/44701", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e44701", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37486755" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45983, author="Gilbert, Stephanie and Irvine, Rachel and D'or, Melissa and Adam, P. Marc T. and Collins, E. Clare and Marriott, Rhonda and Rollo, Megan and Walker, Roz and Rae, Kym", title="Indigenous Women and Their Nutrition During Pregnancy (the Mums and Bubs Deadly Diets Project): Protocol for a Co-designed mHealth Resource Development Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Jul", day="6", volume="12", pages="e45983", keywords="co-design", keywords="community-based participatory research", keywords="mHealth", keywords="Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander", keywords="maternal health", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="nutrition", keywords="Indigenous women", keywords="diet", keywords="health literacy", keywords="Indigenous", keywords="Indigenous people", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Nutrition in pregnancy is pivotal to optimizing infant growth and maternal well-being. The factors affecting Indigenous people's food and nutrition intake are complex with a history of colonization impacting the disproportionate effect of social determinants to this day. Literature regarding the dietary intake or dietary priorities of Indigenous women in Australia is scarce, with supportive, culturally appropriate resources developed for and with this group rare. Research suggests mobile health (mHealth) tools are effective in supporting health knowledge of Indigenous people and positive health behavior changes when designed and developed with the expertise of Indigenous communities. Objective: This study seeks to build the body of knowledge related to nutrition needs and priorities for Indigenous women in Australia during pregnancy. Further, this project team and its participants will co-design an mHealth digital tool to support these nutrition needs. Methods: The Mums and Bubs Deadly Diets study recruits Indigenous women and health care professionals who support Indigenous women during pregnancy into 2 phases. Phase 1 (predesign) uses a mixed methods convergent design using a biographical questionnaire and social or focus groups to inform phase 2 (generative). Phase 2 will use a participatory action research process during co-design workshops to iteratively develop the digital tool; the exact actions within a workshop will evolve according to the participant group decisions. Results: To date, this project has undertaken phase 1 focus groups at all Queensland sites, with New South Wales and Western Australia to begin in early to mid-2023. We have recruited 12 participants from Galangoor Duwalami, 18 participants from Carbal in Toowoomba, and 18 participants from Carbal in Warwick. We are expecting similar numbers of recruits in Western Australia and New South Wales. Participants have been both community members and health care professionals. Conclusions: This study is an iterative and adaptive research program that endeavors to develop real-world, impactful resources to support the nutrition needs and priorities of pregnant Indigenous women in Australia. This comprehensive project requires a combination of methods and methodologies to ensure Indigenous voices are heard at each stage and in all aspects of research output. The development of an mHealth resource for this cohort will provide a necessary bridge where there is often a gap in access to nutrition resources for women in pregnancy in Indigenous communities. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/45983 ", doi="10.2196/45983", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e45983", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37147188" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44500, author="Varma, S. Deepthi and Mualem, Maya and Goodin, Amie and Gurka, K. Kelly and Wen, Soo-Tung Tony and Gurka, J. Matthew and Roussos-Ross, Kay", title="Acceptability of an mHealth App for Monitoring Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health: Qualitative Study With Women and Providers", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Jun", day="7", volume="7", pages="e44500", keywords="perinatal mental health", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile apps", keywords="ecological momentary assessment", keywords="EMA", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Up to 15\% of pregnant and postpartum women commonly experience undiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which may result in serious health complications. Mobile health (mHealth) apps related to mental health have been previously used for early diagnosis and intervention but not among pregnant and postpartum women. Objective: This study aims to assess the acceptability of using mHealth to monitor and assess perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. Methods: Focus group discussions with pregnant and postpartum women (n=20) and individual interviews with health care providers (n=8) were conducted to inform the acceptability of mHealth and determine its utility for assessing perinatal and postpartum mood symptoms. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling from obstetric clinics and the surrounding community. A semistructured interview guide was developed by an epidemiologist with qualitative research training in consultation with an obstetrician. The first author conducted all focus group discussions and provider interviews either in person or via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc) depending on the COVID-19 protocol that was in place during the study period. All interviews were audio recorded with consent; transcribed; and uploaded for coding to ATLAS.ti 8 (ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development Gmb H), a qualitative data analysis and retrieval software. Data were analyzed using the deductive content analysis method using a set of a priori codes developed based on the interview guide. Methodological rigor and quality were ensured by adopting a systematic approach during the implementation, data collection, data analysis, and reporting of the data. Results: Almost all women and providers had downloaded and used at least 1 health app. The respondents suggested offering short questions in layperson language that could be understood by women of all educational levels and offering no more than 2 to 3 assessments per day at preferred timings decided by the women themselves. They also suggested that the women themselves receive the alerts first, with other options being family members, spouses, or friends if the women themselves did not respond within 24 to 72 hours. Customization and snooze features were strongly endorsed by women and providers to improve acceptability and utility. Women mentioned competing demands on their time during the postpartum period, fatigue, privacy, and the security of mental health data as concerns. Health care professionals highlighted the long-term sustainability of app-based mood assessment and monitoring as an important challenge. Conclusions: The findings from this study show that mHealth would be acceptable to pregnant and postpartum women for monitoring mood symptoms. This could inform the development of clinically meaningful and inexpensive tools for facilitating the continuous monitoring of, the early diagnosis of, and an early intervention for mood disorders in this vulnerable population. ", doi="10.2196/44500", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e44500", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37285185" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42041, author="Chetty, Terusha and Singh, Yages and Odendaal, Willem and Mianda, Solange and Abdelatif, Nada and Manda, Samuel and Schneider, Helen and Goga, Ameena", title="Intervention in Mothers and Newborns to Reduce Maternal and Perinatal Mortality in 3 Provinces in South Africa Using a Quality Improvement Approach: Protocol for a Mixed Method Type 2 Hybrid Evaluation", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Jun", day="5", volume="12", pages="e42041", keywords="health systems", keywords="quality improvement", keywords="antenatal", keywords="postnatal", keywords="maternal", keywords="child", keywords="HIV", keywords="mixed methods evaluation", abstract="Background: The COVID-19 pandemic undermined gains in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality in South Africa. The Mphatlalatsane Initiative is a health system intervention to reduce mortality and morbidity in women and newborns to desired levels. Objective: Our evaluation aims to determine the effect of various exposures, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and a system-level, complex, patient-centered quality improvement (QI) intervention (the Mphatlalatsane Initiative) on maternal and neonatal health services at 21 selected South African facilities. The objectives are to determine whether Mphatlalatsane reduces the institutional maternal mortality ratio, neonatal mortality rate, and stillbirth rate (objective 1) and improves patients' experiences (objective 2) and quality of care (objective 3). Objective 4 assesses the contextual and implementation process factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, that shape Mphatlalatsane uptake and variation. Methods: This study is an implementation science type 2 hybrid effectiveness, controlled before-and-after design with quantitative and qualitative components. The Mphatlalatsane intervention commenced at the end of 2019. For objective 1, intervention and control facility-level data from the District Health Information System are compared for changes in institutional maternal and neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates and associations with QI, the COVID-19 pandemic, and both. This first analysis includes data from 18 facilities, regardless of their allocation to intervention or comparison, to obtain a general idea of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. For objectives 2 to 3, data collectors abstract data from maternal and neonatal records, interview participants, and conduct neonatal facility assessments. For objective 4, interviews, program documentation, surveys, and observations are used to assess how contextual factors at the macro-, meso-, and microlevels explain variation in intervention uptake and outcome. The intervention dose is measured at the microlevel only in the intervention facilities. The study assesses the Mphatlalatsane Initiative from 2020 to 2022. Results: From preliminary analysis, across the 3 provinces, maternal and neonatal deaths increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas stillbirths remained unchanged. Maternal satisfaction with quality of care was >90\%. The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the QI teams functioning. However, the QI teams regained their pre--COVID-19 momentum by adapting the QI model, with advisers providing mentoring and support. Variation in adoption at the mesolevel was related to stable and motivated leadership (particularly at the facility level), poor integration into routine processes, and buy-in from senior district managers who were affected by competing priorities. Varying referral and specialist outreach systems, staff availability and development, and service delivery infrastructure are plausible factors in variable outcomes. Conclusions: Few evaluations rigorously evaluated the effect of health system interventions on improving health services and outcomes. Results will inform the scaling up of successful intervention components and strategies to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or similar emerging epidemics on maternal and neonatal mortality. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/42041 ", doi="10.2196/42041", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e42041", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37000902" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44082, author="Rhodes, Alexandra and Pimprikar, Arya and Baum, Alison and Smith, D. Andrea and Llewellyn, H. Clare", title="Using the Person-Based Approach to Develop a Digital Intervention Targeting Diet and Physical Activity in Pregnancy: Development Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="May", day="26", volume="7", pages="e44082", keywords="digital", keywords="app", keywords="dietary", keywords="physical activity", keywords="lifestyle", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="prenatal", keywords="person-based approach", keywords="behavior change habit formation", keywords="intervention", abstract="Background: In pregnancy, eating well, keeping active, and avoiding excessive weight gain are associated with better maternal and fetal health outcomes. Dietary and physical activity (PA) interventions can be effective in changing behaviors and managing weight gain. The comparatively lower cost and greater accessibility of digital interventions make them an attractive alternative to in-person interventions. Baby Buddy is a free pregnancy and parenting app from the charity Best Beginnings. Designed to support parents, improve health outcomes, and reduce inequalities, the app is actively used within the UK National Health Service. It offers an ideal platform for delivering and evaluating a new prenatal dietary and PA intervention. Objective: The aim of this study was to create a theory-based intervention within Baby Buddy to empower, encourage, and support expectant parents to develop healthier dietary and PA habits for pregnancy and parenthood. Methods: The intervention's development process was guided by the Behavior Change Wheel, with the person-based approach used to create and test its design. Three stages of qualitative research with pregnant and recently pregnant parents guided the intervention design. Study 1 (n=30), comprising 4 web-based focus groups and 12 telephone interviews, gauged response to the rudimentary concept and generated ideas for its development. Results were analyzed thematically. At this stage, the guiding principles for the intervention development were established, and regular team meetings ensured that the intervention design remained aligned with Best Beginnings' objectives, evidence-based approach, and feasibility criteria. Study 2 (n=29), comprising web-based individual and couple interviews, explored design ideas using wireframes and scripts and generated iterative feedback on the intervention content, branding, and tone. A table of changes analysis tracked design amendments. Study 3 (n=19) tested an app prototype using think-aloud interviews with current Baby Buddy users. A patient and public involvement and engagement activity (n=18) and other expert contributors (n=14) provided ad hoc input into the research process and design development. Results: Study 1 confirmed the appeal and relevance of the intervention concept and its novel approach of including partners. The identified themes underpinned the development of the intervention design. Iterative feedback from study 2, in conjunction with patient and public involvement and engagement and expert contributor input, helped refine the intervention design and ensure its relevance and appeal to a diverse target user group. Study 3 highlighted functionality, content, and design issues with the app prototype and identified ways of improving the user experience. Conclusions: This study illustrates the value of combining a theoretical method for intervention development with the person-based approach to create a theory-based intervention that is also user-friendly, appealing, and engaging for its target audience. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in improving diet, PA, and weight management in pregnancy. ", doi="10.2196/44082", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e44082", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37234026" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40561, author="Haricharan, Jensen Hanne and Hacking, Damian and Lau, Kwan Yan and Heap, Marion", title="Improving Knowledge About Pregnancy for Deaf South African Women of Reproductive Age Through a Text Messaging--Based Information Campaign: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="May", day="22", volume="6", pages="e40561", keywords="SMS text messages", keywords="cell phones", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="health information", keywords="health literacy", keywords="healthy behavior", keywords="maternal health", keywords="antenatal care", keywords="Deaf", keywords="South Africa", abstract="Background: Signing Deaf South Africans have limited access to health information and, consequently, limited knowledge about health. Maternal and neonatal mortality rates are high. Cell phone use is high, making it a potentially effective way of communicating about maternal and child health. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to assess whether an SMS text messaging--based health information campaign could improve knowledge about pregnancy, antenatal care, and healthy living during pregnancy for signing Deaf South African women of reproductive age. The secondary aim was to evaluate the acceptability of such an intervention. Methods: This study was designed as a pretest-posttest study. A baseline questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge about pregnancy, antenatal care, and healthy living during pregnancy before an SMS text messaging--based information campaign was conducted. After the campaign, an exit questionnaire was administered containing the same questions as the baseline questionnaire with additional questions on general acceptability and communication preferences. The results were compared between baseline and exit using the McNemar and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. A focus group aimed to obtain further information on the impact and acceptability of SMS text messages. The focus group was analyzed inductively. Results: The study showed a statistically significant improvement in overall health knowledge among participants. Despite this, some participants found the medical terminology challenging to understand. Several ways of improving SMS text messaging campaigns for the Deaf were identified, including using Multimedia Messaging Services with a person signing messages and linking information campaigns to a communication service that would enable Deaf people to pose questions. The focus group also suggested that SMS text messages might play a role in motivating healthy behaviors during pregnancy. Conclusions: The SMS text messaging campaign effectively improved Deaf women's knowledge about pregnancy, antenatal care, and healthy living during pregnancy and has the potential to affect health behavior. This contrasts with a similar study on hearing pregnant women. This suggests that SMS text messages may be particularly effective in improving Deaf people's health knowledge. However, attention should be paid to Deaf participants' specific needs and communication preferences to optimize impact. The potential of using SMS text messaging campaigns to affect behavior should be studied. Trial Registration: Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) PACTR201512001352180; https://tinyurl.com/3rxvsrbe ", doi="10.2196/40561", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e40561", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37213174" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42417, author="Wilson, A. Lindsay and Gandhi, Preet", title="Opioid Agonist Therapies and Pregnancy Outcomes for Pregnant People With Opioid Use Disorder: Protocol for a Systematic Review", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="May", day="10", volume="12", pages="e42417", keywords="opioid agonist therapies", keywords="opioid use disorder", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="opioid", keywords="drug", keywords="symptoms", keywords="treatment", keywords="screening", keywords="data", keywords="risk", keywords="clinical", keywords="policy makers", keywords="community", abstract="Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy presents a significant risk to maternal, fetal, and neonatal health, increasing the likelihood of adverse events, such as maternal overdose, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal abstinence syndrome. In order to reduce the risk of these outcomes, the standard of care for OUD during pregnancy in many jurisdictions within the United States and Canada is opioid agonist therapy (OAT). OAT refers to prescription medications that alleviate or eliminate opioid withdrawal symptoms, so that opioid use can be managed more safely. Although OAT has been recognized as a safe option for pregnant people with OUD, many jurisdictions do not have treatment guidelines regarding pharmacological options, dosing recommendations, side effect management, and individual preferences. There is currently a lack of systematic evidence on the impacts of different OAT regimens on pregnancy outcomes. Objective: We aim to evaluate the impacts of specific OAT agents on pregnancy outcomes and inform recommendations for practitioners treating pregnant people with OUD. Methods: The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases will be searched for published quantitative studies assessing pregnancy outcomes for individuals on OAT. Given the substantially increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age, and stillbirth among pregnant people with OUD, these four end points will comprise our primary outcomes. Database searches will not be restricted by date, and conference abstracts will be restricted to the past 2 years. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be independently screened by 2 reviewers. Data will be extracted independently and in duplicate, using a data extraction form to reduce the risk of reviewer bias. The risk of bias within individual studies will be assessed by using the appropriate CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklists. For studies that consider the same research questions, interventions, or outcomes, meta-analyses will be conducted to synthesize the pooled effect size. In the event that studies cannot be compared directly, results will be synthesized in a narrative account. Between-study heterogeneity will be measured by using the $\tau$2 statistic. If more than 10 studies are available for pooling, publication bias will be evaluated by using the Egger regression test. Results: As of January 2023, a total of 3266 abstracts have been identified for screening. Data extraction is expected to commence in February 2023. Conclusions: The topic of OAT and its effect on pregnancy is an understudied area that has the potential to improve health outcomes, clinical practice, education, and community advocacy. The results of our review will be used to inform clinical practice guidelines and improve health outcomes for pregnant people. Findings will be disseminated to diverse groups of stakeholders, including policy makers, clinicians, community partners, and individuals with lived experience of drug use. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022332082; https://tinyurl.com/2p94pkx5 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/42417 ", doi="10.2196/42417", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e42417", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37163329" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/43102, author="d'Halluin, Arnaud and Costa, Marie and Morgi{\`e}ve, Margot and Sebbane, D{\'e}borah", title="Attitudes of Children, Adolescents, and Their Parents Toward Digital Health Interventions: Scoping Review", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="May", day="2", volume="25", pages="e43102", keywords="eHealth", keywords="mental health", keywords="children and adolescents", keywords="attitude", keywords="scoping review", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="digital health intervention", keywords="DHI", abstract="Background: The prevalence of mental health problems in children and adolescents is high. As these problems can impact this population's developmental trajectories, they constitute a public health concern. This situation is accentuated by the fact that children and adolescents infrequently seek help. Digital health interventions (DHIs) offer an opportunity to bridge the treatment gap between health care needs and patient engagement in care. Additional detailed research is needed to identify how children and adolescents can be empowered to access help through DHIs. In this context, an understanding of their attitudes toward digital health appears to be a necessary first step in facilitating the effective implementation of DHIs. Objective: This study aimed to establish an inventory of children's, adolescents', and their parents' attitudes toward DHIs. Methods: A scoping review following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) recommendations was performed using the MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases. This research was conducted using 3 key concepts: ``child and adolescent mental health service users,'' ``digital health interventions,'' and ``attitudes.'' Data extracted included the name of the publishing journal, the methodology used, the target population, the DHI studied, and the principal results. Results: Of 1548 studies found, 30 (1.94\%) were included in our analysis. Among these, 13 concerned satisfaction, 24 concerned preferences, 22 concerned the use of DHI, 11 concerned perception, and 10 concerned needs. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a better understanding of the factors influencing children's and adolescents' attitudes toward digital health and DHIs. The continued growth of DHIs can help reduce barriers to mental health care. Future research on these interventions should investigate the needs of the targeted populations to increase their engagement in care. ", doi="10.2196/43102", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e43102", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37129931" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37359, author="Mwenda, Valerian and Makena, Ireen and Ogweno, Vincent and Obonyo, James and Were, Vincent", title="The Effectiveness of Interactive Text Messaging and Structured Psychosocial Support Groups on Developmental Milestones of Children From Adolescent Pregnancies in Kenya: Quasi-Experimental Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="May", day="1", volume="6", pages="e37359", keywords="text messages", keywords="adolescent pregnancy", keywords="milestones", keywords="mHealth", keywords="psychosocial support", keywords="Kenya", keywords="nurturing care", abstract="Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, one-quarter of all pregnancies occur in adolescents. Children born to adolescent mothers have poorer physical and socio-cognitive development. One reason may be inadequate knowledge on childcare and psychosocial support during pregnancy and post partum, since adolescent mothers have less antenatal care attendance and overall interaction with the health care system. Mobile health technology has been used to relay health information to special groups; however, psychosocial support commonly requires physical interaction. Objective: We aimed to assess the efficacy of an interactive mobile text messaging platform and support groups in improving adolescent mothers' knowledge and practices as well as infant growth and development. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study, conducted among adolescent mothers with infants younger than 3 months, in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Five of the 8 subcounties in Homa Bay County were purposively selected as study clusters. Four subcounties were assigned as intervention clusters and 1 as a control cluster. Adolescent mothers from 2 intervention subcounties received interactive text messaging only (limited package), whereas those from the other 2 subcounties received text messaging and weekly support groups, moderated by a community health extension worker and a counselor (full package); the control cluster only received the end-line evaluation (posttest-only control). The follow-up period was 9 months. Key outcomes were maternal knowledge on childcare and infant development milestones assessed using the Developmental Milestones Checklist (DMC III). Knowledge and DMC III scores were compared between the intervention and control groups, as well as between the 2 intervention groups. Results: We recruited 791 mother-infant pairs into the intervention groups (full package: n=375; limited package: n=416) at baseline and 220 controls at end line. Attrition from the intervention groups was 15.8\% (125/791). Compared with the control group, adolescent mothers receiving the full package had a higher knowledge score on infant care and development (9.02 vs 8.01; P<.001) and higher exclusive breastfeeding rates (238/375, 63.5\% vs 112/220, 50.9\%; P=.004), and their infants had higher average DMC III scores (53.09 vs 48.59; P=.01). The limited package group also had higher knowledge score than the control group (8.73 vs 8.01; P<.001); this group performed better than the full package group on exclusive breastfeeding (297/416, 71.4\% vs 112/220, 50.9\%; P<.001) and DMC III scores (58.29 vs 48.59; P<.001) when compared with the control group. We found a marginal difference in knowledge scores between full and limited package groups (9.02 vs 8.73; P=.048) but no difference in DMC III scores between the 2 groups (53.09 vs 58.29; P>.99). Conclusions: An interactive text messaging platform improved adolescent mothers' knowledge on nurturing infant care and the development of their children, even without physical support groups. Such platforms offer a convenient avenue for providing reproductive health information to adolescents. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201806003369302; https://tinyurl.com/kkxvzjse ", doi="10.2196/37359", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e37359", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37126373" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44661, author="Murray, B. Jennifer and Sharp, Alexander and Munro, Sarah and Janssen, A. Patricia", title="Expectant Parents' Preferences for Teaching by Texting: Development and Usability Study of SmartMom", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Apr", day="18", volume="7", pages="e44661", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="pregnant", keywords="prenatal", keywords="patient education", keywords="text message", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="prenatal education", keywords="mHealth", keywords="evidence-based health care", keywords="mobile app", keywords="Canada", keywords="mobile health", keywords="preference", keywords="focus group", keywords="information need", keywords="user need", 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. ", doi="10.2196/44661", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e44661", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37071451" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45616, author="Cluxton-Keller, Fallon and Olson, Ardis", title="A Family-Based Collaborative Care Model for Treatment of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Perinatal Women: Results From a Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="Apr", day="13", volume="6", pages="e45616", keywords="anxiety", keywords="depression", keywords="family treatment", keywords="infant care", keywords="maternal health", keywords="parenting", keywords="pediatric primary care", keywords="perinatal anxiety", keywords="perinatal care", keywords="perinatal depression", keywords="video therapy", keywords="women's health", abstract="Background: Untreated perinatal depression and anxiety can have detrimental consequences on family function. Logistical barriers prevent many perinatal women from accessing treatment, and these barriers are compounded for women residing in rural areas. This paper describes a Family-Based Collaborative Care Model (FBCCM) that is designed to bypass barriers to increase access to care for depressed and anxious perinatal women in rural regions of the United States. The FBCCM includes the following two components: (1) a 10-session video-delivered family therapy treatment for perinatal depression and anxiety and (2) a video-delivered infant care provider training on addressing the parenting needs of depressed and anxious mothers. Objective: This paper describes the feasibility of implementing the FBCCM with families and infant care providers. Findings are presented on the preliminary effectiveness of the video-delivered family therapy treatment in reducing maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms, and family conflict. Methods: This pilot study was carried out using an implementation-effectiveness hybrid trial design without a comparison group. Changes in maternal depressive symptoms, maternal anxiety symptoms, and family conflict were measured at posttreatment, 3 months, and 6 months later. Results: On average, mothers (n=24) attended 9.79 (SD 1.02) sessions. On average, their family members (n=24) attended 9.42 (SD 1.28) sessions. A total of 31 infant care providers attended the training on addressing the parenting needs of depressed and anxious mothers. Mothers reported a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (P<.001) and anxiety symptoms (P<.001) from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. Mothers reported a significant reduction in conflict (P<.001), and their family members also reported a significant reduction in conflict (P=.007) from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: The findings from this study provide support for the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the FBCCM. The findings will be used to inform a larger study of the FBCCM. ", doi="10.2196/45616", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e45616", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37052997" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44329, author="Bahorski, Jessica and Romano, Mollie and McDougal, May Julie and Kiratzis, Edie and Pocchio, Kinsey and Paek, Insu", title="Development of an Individualized Responsive Feeding Intervention---Learning Early Infant Feeding Cues: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Feb", day="28", volume="12", pages="e44329", keywords="responsive feeding", keywords="infant growth", keywords="infant nutrition", abstract="Background: Responsive infant feeding occurs when a parent recognizes the infant's cues of hunger or satiety and responds promptly to these cues. It is known to promote healthy dietary patterns and infant weight gain and is recommended as part of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. However, the use of responsive infant feeding can be challenging for many parents. Research is needed to assist caregivers recognize infant hunger or satiety cues and overcoming barriers to using responsive infant feeding. Objective: The Learning Early Infant Feeding Cues (LEIFc) intervention was designed to fill this gap by using a validated coaching approach, SS-OO-PP-RR (``super,'' Setting the Stage, Observation and Opportunities, Problem Solving and Planning, Reflection and Review), to promote responsive infant feeding. Guided by the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials model, this study aims to test the feasibility and fidelity of the LEIFc intervention in a group of mother-infant dyads. Methods: This pre-post quasi-experimental study with no control group will recruit mothers (N=30) in their third trimester (28 weeks and beyond) of pregnancy from community settings. Study visit 1 will occur prenatally in which written and video material on infant feeding and infant hunger and satiety cues is provided. Demographic information and plans for infant feeding are also collected prenatally via self-report surveys. The use of responsive infant feeding via subjective (survey) and objective (video) measures is recorded before (study visit 2, 1 month post partum) and after (study visit 5, 4 months post partum) intervention. Coaching on responsive infant feeding during a feeding session is provided by a trained interventionist using the SS-OO-PP-RR approach at study visits 3 (2 months post partum) and 4 (3 months post partum). Infant feeding practices are recorded via survey, and infant weight and length are measured at each postpartum study visit. Qualitative data on the LEIFc intervention are provided by the interventionist and mother. Infant feeding videos will be coded and tabulated for instances of infant cues and maternal responses. Subjective measures of responsive infant feeding will also be tabulated. The use of responsive infant feeding pre-post intervention will be analyzed using matched t tests. Qualitative data will be examined to guide intervention refinement. Results: This study initially began in spring 2020 but was halted because of the COVID-10 pandemic. With new funding, recruitment, enrollment, and data collection began in April 2022 and will continue until April 2023. Conclusions: After refinement, the LEIFc intervention will be tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial. The long-term goal is to implement LEIFc in the curricula of federally funded maternal-child home visiting programs that serve vulnerable populations---those that often have infant feeding practices that do not align with recommendations and are less likely to use responsive infant feeding. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/44329 ", doi="10.2196/44329", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e44329", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36853761" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/43885, author="Shorey, Shefaly and Chong, Seng Yap and Shi, Luming and Chua, Shi Jing and and Mathews, Jancy and Lim, Hoon Siew and Du, Ruochen and Chan, Huak Yiong and Tan, Chye Thiam and Chee, Cornelia and Law, Evelyn", title="Evaluating the Effects of the Supportive Parenting App on Infant Developmental Outcomes: Longitudinal Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2023", month="Feb", day="22", volume="11", pages="e43885", keywords="infant development", keywords="parenting", keywords="mobile health technology", keywords="social support", keywords="psychoeducation", keywords="peer support", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Previous studies have investigated the various effects of parenting on infant developmental outcomes. In particular, parental stress and social support have been found to significantly affect the growth of the newborn. Although many parents today use mobile apps to obtain more support in parenting and perinatal care, few studies have examined how these apps could affect infant development. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Supportive Parenting App (SPA) in improving infant developmental outcomes during the perinatal period. Methods: This study adopted a 2-group parallel prospective longitudinal design and recruited 200 infants and their parents (N=400 mothers and fathers). The parents were recruited at 24 weeks of gestation for a randomized controlled trial conducted from February 2020 to July 2022. They were randomly allocated to either the intervention or control group. The infant outcome measures included cognition, language, motor skills, and social-emotional development. Data were collected from the infants when they were aged 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. Linear and modified Poisson regressions were used to analyze the data to examine between- and within-group changes. Results: At 9 and 12 months post partum, the infants in the intervention group were found to have better communication and language skills than those in the control group. An analysis of motor development revealed that a larger proportion of the infants in the control group fell under the at-risk category, where they scored approximately 2 SDs below the normative scores. The control group infants scored higher on the problem solving domain at 6 months post partum. However, at 12 months postpartum, the infants in the intervention group performed better on cognitive tasks than those in the control group. Despite not being statistically significant, the intervention group infants were found to have consistently scored better on the social components of the questionnaires than the control group infants. Conclusions: Overall, the infants whose parents had received the SPA intervention tended to fare better in most developmental outcome measures than those whose parents had received standard care only. The findings of this study suggest that the SPA intervention exerted positive effects on the communication, cognition, motor, and socioemotional development of the infants. Further research is needed to improve the content and support provided by the intervention to maximize the benefits gained by infants and their parents. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04706442; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04706442 ", doi="10.2196/43885", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e43885", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36811952" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/43800, author="Nwoke, Nmanma Chinenye and Awosoga, A. Oluwagbohunmi and McDonald, Sheila and Bonifacio, T. Glenda and Leung, Y. Brenda M.", title="Prevalence and Associated Factors of Maternal Depression and Anxiety Among African Immigrant Women in Alberta, Canada: Quantitative Cross-sectional Survey Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Feb", day="20", volume="7", pages="e43800", keywords="African women", keywords="immigrant women", keywords="mental health", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="postpartum health", keywords="depression", keywords="anxiety", abstract="Background: Although there is a significant body of evidence on maternal mental health, an inadequate focus has been placed on African immigrant women. This is a significant limitation given the rapidly changing demographics in Canada. The prevalence of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women in Alberta and Canada, as well as the associated risk factors, are not well understood and remain largely unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women living in Alberta, Canada up to 2 years postpartum. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 120 African immigrant women within 2 years of delivery in Alberta, Canada from January 2020 to December 2020. The English version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-10 (EPDS-10), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, and a structured questionnaire regarding associated factors were administered to all participants. A cutoff score of 13 on the EPDS-10 was indicative of depression, while a cutoff score of 10 on the GAD-7 scale was indicative of anxiety. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the factors significantly associated with maternal depression and anxiety. Results: Among the 120 African immigrant women, 27.5\% (33/120) met the EPDS-10 cutoff score for depression and 12.1\% (14/116) met the GAD-7 cutoff score for anxiety. The majority of respondents with maternal depression were younger (18/33, 56\%), had a total household income of CAD \$60,000 or more (US \$45,000 or more; 21/32, 66\%), rented their homes (24/33, 73\%), had an advanced degree (19/33, 58\%), were married (26/31, 84\%), were recent immigrants (19/30, 63\%), had friends in the city (21/31, 68\%), had a weak sense of belonging in the local community (26/31, 84\%), were satisfied with their settlement process (17/28, 61\%), and had access to a regular medical doctor (20/29, 69\%). In addition, the majority of respondents with maternal anxiety were nonrecent immigrants (9/14, 64\%), had friends in the city (8/13, 62\%), had a weak sense of belonging in the local community (12/13, 92\%), and had access to a regular medical doctor (7/12, 58\%). The multivariable logistic regression model identified demographic and social factors significantly associated with maternal depression (maternal age, working status, presence of friends in the city, and access to a regular medical doctor) and maternal anxiety (access to a regular medical doctor and sense of belonging in the local community). Conclusions: Social support and community belonging initiatives may improve the maternal mental health outcomes of African immigrant women. Given the complexities immigrant women face, more research is needed on a comprehensive approach for public health and preventive strategies regarding maternal mental health after migration, including increasing access to family doctors. ", doi="10.2196/43800", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e43800", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36808093" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/38435, author="Tenfelde, Kim and Antheunis, Marjolijn and Krahmer, Emiel and Bunt, Erik Jan", title="Using Digital Communication Technology to Improve Neonatal Care: Two-Part Explorative Needs Assessment", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="Feb", day="7", volume="6", pages="e38435", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="physician-patient communication", keywords="questions asking", keywords="needs assessment", keywords="explorative", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: The birth of a premature infant and subsequent hospitalization are stressful events for parents. Therefore, accurate and easy-to-understand communication between parents and health care professionals is crucial during this period. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have the potential to improve communication with parents at any time and place and possibly reduce their stress. Objective: We aimed to conduct a 2-part explorative needs assessment in which the interaction between the pediatrician and parents was examined along with their digital communication technology needs and interest in an mHealth app with the aim of improving interpersonal communication and information exchange. Methods: Overall, 19 consultations between parents of preterm infants and pediatricians were observed to determine which themes are discussed the most and the number of questions asked. Afterward, the parents and the pediatrician were interviewed to evaluate the process of communication and gauge their ideas about a neonatal communication mHealth app. Results: The observations revealed the following most prevalent themes: breastfeeding, criteria for discharge, medication, and parents' personal life. Interview data showed that the parents were satisfied with the communication with their pediatrician. Furthermore, both parents and pediatricians expected that a neonatal mHealth app could further improve the communication process and the hospital stay. Parents valued app features such as asking questions, growth graphs, a diary function, hospital-specific information, and medical rounds reports. Conclusions: Both parents of hospitalized preterm infants and pediatricians expect that the hypothetical mHealth app has the potential to cater to the most prevalent themes and improve communication and information exchange. Recommendations for developing such an app and its possible features are also discussed. On the basis of these promising results, it is suggested to further develop and study the effects of the mHealth app together with all stakeholders. ", doi="10.2196/38435", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e38435", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36749606" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41170, author="Mogaka, Nyabiage Jerusha and Otieno, Abuna Felix and Akim, Eunita and Beima-Sofie, Kristin and Dettinger, Julia and Gomez, Lauren and Marwa, Mary and Odhiambo, Ben and Ngure, Kenneth and Ronen, Keshet and Sharma, Monisha and John-Stewart, Grace and Richardson, Barbra and Stern, Joshua and Unger, Jennifer and Udren, Jenna and Watoyi, Salphine and Pintye, Jillian and Kinuthia, John", title="A Text Messaging--Based Support Intervention to Enhance Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention Adherence During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Jan", day="30", volume="12", pages="e41170", keywords="pre-exposure prophylaxis", keywords="text messaging", keywords="text message", keywords="mobile technology", keywords="PrEP adherence", keywords="adherence", keywords="prevention", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="pregnant", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="maternal", keywords="randomized", keywords="RCT", keywords="peripartum", keywords="patient-provider", keywords="postpartum", keywords="HIV prevention", keywords="SMS", keywords="HIV", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", abstract="Background: Cisgender women in Kenya are at elevated risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and post partum. Acute HIV infection during pregnancy and breastfeeding accounts for approximately one-third of all vertical HIV transmissions. The World Health Organization recommends offering oral tenofovir-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to pregnant and postpartum women who are HIV negative but at substantial and ongoing risk for HIV acquisition. PrEP delivery for pregnant and postpartum women is expanding within routine maternal child health clinics in Kenya. However, approximately half of pregnant women discontinue PrEP within 30 days of initiation. Therefore, it is crucial to develop PrEP adherence strategies that enhance support for adherence when peripartum events and health issues pose challenges to sustaining PrEP adherence. Objective: We are conducting a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of a bidirectional communication platform named Mobile Solutions for Women's and Children's Health (mWACh), which utilizes two-way SMS text messaging between patients and remote nurses to support PrEP adherence and address maternal health concerns in real time during the peripartum period. Methods: The mWACh-PrEP study is a randomized trial designed to support PrEP adherence during the peripartum period by comparing mWACh-PrEP to the standard of care (ie, in-clinic adherence counseling) among women who are HIV negative and initiating PrEP. Purposive sampling was used to select 5 facilities offering PrEP in antenatal clinics in Kisumu and Siaya Counties, and block randomization will be used to divide participants into groups. Participants in the intervention arm will receive a customized messaging curriculum via SMS text messages targeted toward their particular perinatal stage. The primary outcome, PrEP adherence at 6 months post partum, will be evaluated using a log-binomial regression model, adjusting for imbalanced baseline characteristics. Based on a previous study of directly observed dosing conditions, we will use a hair tenofovir concentration cutoff of 0.038 ng/mg (corresponding to 7 doses/week) as the primary adherence outcome measured at 6 months post partum (binary outcome). Qualitative interviews and cost-effective analyses will be conducted to understand the feasibility, acceptability, and economic impact of the intervention. Results: Enrollment began in March 2022 and is projected to continue until July 2023, with follow-up through March 2024. The study results are expected to be reported in 2025. Conclusions: This trial will provide insights into using mobile health to enhance PrEP adherence among pregnant and postpartum mothers. Additionally, the findings will have implications for the use of mobile health technology to improve adherence to other daily medications during the peripartum period. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04472884; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04472884 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/41170 ", doi="10.2196/41170", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e41170", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36716092" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40008, author="Nwoke, Nmanma Chinenye and Awosoga, A. Oluwagbohunmi and McDonald, Sheila and Bonifacio, T. Glenda and Leung, Y. Brenda M.", title="African Immigrant Mothers' Views of Perinatal Mental Health and Acceptability of Perinatal Mental Health Screening: Quantitative Cross-sectional Survey Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Jan", day="27", volume="7", pages="e40008", keywords="African women", keywords="perinatal mental health", keywords="screening", keywords="anxiety", keywords="mental health literacy", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="postpartum", keywords="depression", keywords="acceptability", keywords="knowledge", abstract="Background: Mental health disorders are the most common perinatal conditions. They affect mothers, babies, partners, and support networks. However, <15\% of pregnant and postpartum women seek timely help for their mental health care. Low perinatal mental health knowledge and universal screening unacceptability are cited as important deterrents to obtaining timely mental health care. Objective: The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was 2-fold: (1) to determine African immigrant mothers' views of perinatal mental health and to identify predictors of those views and (2) to identify African immigrant mothers' views regarding perinatal mental health screening and to determine factors associated with those views. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of African immigrant women from the province of Alberta, Canada. Respondents were eligible to participate if they were aged ?18 years, had a live birth, and the infant was aged ?2 years. Questions were drawn from the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, and additional questions were developed using the Alberta Maternal Mental Health 2012 survey as a guide and tested to reflect the immigrant context. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted. Results: Among the 120 respondents, 46.5\% (53/114) were aged 31-35 years, 76.1\% (89/117) were employed or on maternity leave, 92.5\% (111/120) were married, and 55.6\% (65/117) had younger infants aged 0 to 12 months. Significantly more respondents had higher levels of knowledge of postnatal (109/115, 94.8\%) than prenatal (57/110, 51.2\%) mental health (P<.001). Only 25.4\% (28/110) of the respondents accurately identified that prenatal anxiety or depression could negatively impact child development. Personal knowledge of postpartum anxiety and depression was a significant predictor of prenatal and postnatal mental health knowledge. Most respondents strongly agreed or agreed that all women should be screened in the prenatal (82/109, 75.2\%) and postnatal (91/110, 82.7\%) periods. Respondents reported that their partner would be their first choice when seeking help and support. The acceptability of postnatal screening was a significant predictor of prenatal mental health knowledge (P<.001), whereas the acceptability of prenatal screening was a significant predictor of postnatal mental health knowledge (P=.03). Prenatal mental health knowledge was a significant predictor of both prenatal (P<.001) and postnatal (P=.001) screening acceptability. Conclusions: Although African mothers' knowledge of postnatal mental health is high, their prenatal mental health knowledge and its influence on child development are limited. Perinatal mental health interventions for African immigrant mothers in Alberta should target these knowledge gaps. The high acceptability of universal perinatal mental health screening among African mothers provides a promising strategy for perinatal mental health literacy initiatives to achieve optimal perinatal mental health. ", doi="10.2196/40008", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e40008", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36705944" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/35452, author="Shrivastava, Rahul and Singhal, Manmohan and Gupta, Mansi and Joshi, Ashish", title="Development of an Artificial Intelligence--Guided Citizen-Centric Predictive Model for the Uptake of Maternal Health Services Among Pregnant Women Living in Urban Slum Settings in India: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Study With a Mixed Methods Design", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Jan", day="27", volume="12", pages="e35452", keywords="citizen centric", keywords="maternal health", keywords="informatics", keywords="predictive model", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="development", keywords="evaluation", keywords="machine learning", abstract="Background: Pregnant women are considered a ``high-risk'' group with limited access to health facilities in urban slums in India. Barriers to using health services appropriately may lead to maternal and child mortality, morbidity, low birth weight, and children with stunted growth. With the increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in the health sector, we plan to develop a predictive model that can enable substantial uptake of maternal health services and improvements in adverse pregnancy health care outcomes from early diagnostics to treatment in urban slum settings. Objective: The objective of our study is to develop and evaluate the AI-guided citizen-centric platform that will support the uptake of maternal health services among pregnant women seeking antenatal care living in urban slum settings. Methods: We will conduct a cross-sectional study using a mixed methods approach to enroll 225 pregnant women aged 18-44 years, living in the urban slums of Delhi for more than 6 months, seeking antenatal care, and who have smartphones. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected using an Open Data Kit Android-based tool. Variables gathered will include sociodemographics, clinical history, pregnancy history, dietary history, COVID-19 history, health care facility data, socioeconomic status, and pregnancy outcomes. All data gathered will be aggregated into a common database. We will use AI to predict the early at-risk pregnancy outcomes (in terms of the type of delivery method, term, and related complications) depending on the needs of the beneficiaries translating into effective service-delivery improvements in enhancing the use of maternal health services among pregnant women seeking antenatal care. The proposed research will help policy makers to prioritize resource planning, resource allocation, and the development of programs and policies to enhance maternal health outcomes. The academic research study has received ethical approval from the University Research Ethics Committee of Dehradun Institute of Technology (DIT) University, Dehradun, India. Results: The study was approved by the University Research Ethics Committee of DIT University, Dehradun, on July 4, 2021. Enrollment of the eligible participants will begin by April 2022 followed by the development of the predictive model by October 2022 till January 2023. The proposed AI-guided citizen-centric tool will be designed, developed, implemented, and evaluated using principles of human-centered design that will help to predict early at-risk pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: The proposed internet-enabled AI-guided prediction model will help identify the potential risk associated with pregnancies and enhance the uptake of maternal health services among those seeking antenatal care for safer deliveries. We will explore the scalability of the proposed platform up to different geographic locations for adoption for similar and other health conditions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/35452 ", doi="10.2196/35452", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e35452", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36705968" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41586, author="Kikuchi, Kimiyo and Islam, Rafiqul and Sato, Yoko and Nishikitani, Mariko and Izukura, Rieko and Jahan, Nusrat and Yokota, Fumihiko and Ikeda, Subaru and Sultana, Nazneen and Nessa, Meherun and Nasir, Morshed and Ahmed, Ashir and Kato, Kiyoko and Morokuma, Seiichi and Nakashima, Naoki", title="Telehealth Care for Mothers and Infants to Improve the Continuum of Care: Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Dec", day="15", volume="11", number="12", pages="e41586", keywords="telehealth care", keywords="continuum of care", keywords="maternal, newborn, and child health", keywords="portable health clinic", keywords="parenting", keywords="prenatal", keywords="pediatrics", abstract="Background: Ensuring an appropriate continuum of care in maternal, newborn, and child health, as well as providing nutrition care, is challenging in remote areas. To make care accessible for mothers and infants, we developed a telehealth care system called Portable Health Clinic for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. Objective: Our study will examine the telehealth care system's effectiveness in improving women's and infants' care uptake and detecting their health problems. Methods: A quasi-experimental study will be conducted in rural Bangladesh. Villages will be allocated to the intervention and control areas. Pregnant women (?16 gestational weeks) will participate together with their infants and will be followed up 1 year after delivery or birth. The intervention will include regular health checkups via the Portable Health Clinic telehealth care system, which is equipped with a series of sensors and an information system that can triage participants' health levels based on the results of their checkups. Women and infants will receive care 4 times during the antenatal period, thrice during the postnatal period, and twice during the motherhood and childhood periods. The outcomes will be participants' health checkup coverage, gestational and neonatal complication rates, complementary feeding rates, and health-seeking behaviors. We will use a multilevel logistic regression and a generalized estimating equation to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness. Results: Recruitment began in June 2020. As of June 2022, we have consented 295 mothers in the study. Data collection is expected to conclude in June 2024. Conclusions: Our new trial will show the effectiveness and extent of using a telehealth care system to ensure an appropriate continuum of care in maternal, newborn, and child health (from the antenatal period to the motherhood and childhood periods) and improve women's and infants' health status. Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN44966621; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN44966621 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/41586 ", doi="10.2196/41586", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/12/e41586", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36520523" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37843, author="Yan, Qin and Gong, Yanhong and Luo, Qing and Yin, Xiaoxv and Yang, Ling and Wang, Honglin and Feng, Juan and Xing, Kaihui and Huang, Yan and Huang, Chuican and Fan, Lichun", title="Effects of a Smartphone-Based Out-of-Hospital Screening App for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia on Neonatal Readmission Rates and Maternal Anxiety: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Nov", day="23", volume="24", number="11", pages="e37843", keywords="eHealth", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile apps", keywords="maternal anxiety", keywords="neonatal jaundice", keywords="neonatal readmission", keywords="neonatal screening", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is one of the leading causes of neonatal readmission---especially severe hyperbilirubinemia and its complications---and it influences disease burden as well as neonatal and maternal health. Smartphones have been shown to have satisfactory accuracy in screening neonatal bilirubin levels, but the impact of this technology on neonatal health care service and maternal health outcomes is still unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a smartphone-based out-of-hospital neonatal jaundice screening program on neonatal readmission rates for jaundice and related maternal anxiety. Methods: This was a 2-arm, unblinded, randomized controlled trial with 30 days of intervention and follow-up periods. From August 2019 to August 2020, healthy mother-infant dyads were recruited on-site from 3 public hospitals in Hainan, China. Intervention group mothers used the smartphone app to routinely monitor neonatal jaundice at home under the web-based guidance of pediatricians. Control group participants received routine care. The primary study outcome was the neonatal readmission rate due to jaundice within 30 days of the first hospital discharge. The secondary outcome was the maternal anxiety score associated with neonatal jaundice. The data were collected through a self-assessed questionnaire. All participants were included in the analysis (intention-to-treat). Results: In this study, 1424 mother-infant dyads were recruited, comprising 1424 mothers and 1424 newborns. The median ageof the mothers was 29 (IQR 26-32) years, and there were 714 (50.1\%) male neonates. These mother-infant dyads were randomlyassigned to the intervention group and the control group, with 712 dyads in each group; only 1187 of these dyads completed thefollow-up. We found that the adjusted 30-day neonatal readmission rate due to jaundice reduced by 10.5\% (71/605, 11.7\% vs141/582, 24.2\%; 95\% CI 5\%-15.9\%; odds ratio 0.4, 95\% CI 0.3-0.5; P<.001) and the relevant maternal anxiety mean scoredecreased by 3.6 (95\% CI --4.4 to --2.8; $\beta$=--3.6, 95\% CI --4.5 to --2.8; P<.001) in the intervention group compared to those in theroutine care group. Conclusions: Our study shows that the smartphone-based out-of-hospital screening method for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia decreased the neonatal readmission rate within 30 days from the first discharge and improved maternal mental health to some degree, thus demonstrating the usefulness of this screening app for follow-up in pediatric care. Trial Registration: China Clinical Trial Registration Center, ChiCTR2100049567; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=64245 ", doi="10.2196/37843", url="https://www.jmir.org/2022/11/e37843", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36416882" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37581, author="Dinour, M. Lauren and Pole, Antoinette", title="Evaluation of Breastfeeding App Features: Content Analysis Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2022", month="Oct", day="26", volume="5", number="4", pages="e37581", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="breastmilk expression", keywords="bottle feeding", keywords="infant food", keywords="infant health", keywords="infant care", keywords="consumer health informatics", keywords="mobile apps", keywords="smartphone", keywords="cross-sectional study", abstract="Background: While a variety of health apps abound, less than half of adults in the United States report using a health app, despite the ubiquity of smartphones among users aged 18 to 49 years. Several studies have examined the use of breastfeeding apps; however, less is known about the types of features found on these apps and what factors might influence app ratings. Objective: This paper seeks to characterize breastfeeding apps, assess whether apps with higher user ratings differ from apps with lower user ratings in their tracking and nontracking features, and analyze whether the type and number of features predict user star ratings and whether an app is higher- or lower-rated. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of breastfeeding apps was culled from the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Content analysis of the apps (N=82) was conducted using a schema of 87 items, which was then compiled into 9 topical indices for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, solid foods, infant health, infant care, technical characteristics, informatics, informational characteristics, and interactivity. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman rank correlations. Linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine which features predicted user star ratings. Results: On average, users rated breastfeeding apps 4.4 of 5 stars. Two-thirds of apps (n=54) were higher rated (?4.5 stars), and one-third (n=28) were lower rated (<4.5 stars). Higher-rated apps offered more tracking features for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, solid foods, infant health, and infant care than lower-rated apps. The breastfeeding, solid-food, and technical indices explained 17\% of user star ratings. For each additional breastfeeding and solid-food feature, we can expect to see a 27\% and 35\% increase, respectively, in user star ratings. Additionally, as the number of solid-food features increased, the odds that the app is higher rated increased 1.58 times. Conclusions: Our findings suggest user ratings are driven in part by tracking features, specifically those related to breastfeeding and solid foods. The proliferation of mobile health apps offers opportunities for parents and caregivers to track behaviors associated with infant feeding and other health metrics in a dynamic, detailed, and comprehensive manner. Hence, breastfeeding apps have the potential to promote and support breastfeeding among users. ", doi="10.2196/37581", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2022/4/e37581", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36287596" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/38641, author="Jawad, Danielle and Cheng, Heilok and Wen, Ming Li and Rissel, Chris and Baur, Louise and Mihrshahi, Seema and Taki, Sarah", title="Interactivity, Quality, and Content of Websites Promoting Health Behaviors During Infancy: 6-Year Update of the Systematic Assessment", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Oct", day="7", volume="24", number="10", pages="e38641", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="bottle feeding", keywords="websites", keywords="web-based platform", keywords="infant food", keywords="readability", keywords="accuracy", keywords="consumer", keywords="health information", keywords="interactivity", keywords="solid food", keywords="quality", keywords="grading", keywords="comprehensibility", keywords="infant", keywords="baby", keywords="babies", keywords="feeding", keywords="food", keywords="eating", keywords="nutrition", keywords="health behavior", keywords="web-based information", keywords="health website", keywords="sleep", keywords="screen time", keywords="rating", abstract="Background: As of 2021, 89\% of the?Australian population are active internet users. Although the internet is widely used, there are concerns about the quality, accuracy, and credibility of health-related websites. A 2015 systematic assessment of infant feeding websites and apps available in Australia found that 61\% of websites were of poor quality and readability, with minimal coverage of infant feeding topics and lack of author credibility. Objective: We aimed to systematically assess the quality, interactivity, readability, and comprehensibility of information targeting infant health behaviors on websites globally and provide an update of the 2015 systematic assessment. Methods: Keywords related to infant milk feeding behaviors, solid feeding behaviors, active play, screen time, and sleep were used to identify websites targeting infant health behaviors on the Google search engine on Safari. The websites were assessed by a subset of the authors using predetermined criteria between July 2021 and February 2022 and assessed for information content based on the Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines and National Physical Activity Recommendations. The Suitability Assessment of Materials, Quality Component Scoring System, the Health-Related Website Evaluation Form, and the adherence to the Health on the Net code were used to evaluate the suitability and quality of information. Readability was assessed using 3 web-based readability tools. Results: Of the 450 websites screened, 66 were included based on the selection criteria and evaluated. Overall, the quality of websites was mostly adequate. Media-related sources, nongovernmental organizations, hospitals, and privately owned websites had the highest median quality scores, whereas university websites received the lowest median score (35\%). The information covered within the websites was predominantly poor: 91\% (60/66) of the websites received an overall score of ?74\% (mean 53\%, SD 18\%). The suitability of health information was mostly rated adequate for literacy demand, layout, and learning and motivation of readers. The median readability score for the websites was grade 8.5, which is higher than the government recommendations (