Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Smartphone-based prenatal education for parents with preterm birth risk factors
U Olivia Kim1, K Barnekow2, S I Ahamed3
1Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
Objective:
To develop an educational mobile application (app) for expectant parents diagnosed with risk factors for premature birth.
Methods:
Parent and medical advisory panels delineated the vision for the app. The app helps prepare for preterm birth. For pilot testing, obstetricians offered the app between 18-22 weeks gestational age to English speaking parents with risk factors for preterm birth. After 4 weeks of use, each participant completed a questionnaire. The software tracked topics accessed and duration of use.
Results:
For pilot testing, 31 participants were recruited and 28 completed the questionnaire. After app utilization, participants reported heightened awareness of preterm birth (93%), more discussion of pregnancy or prematurity issues with partner (86%), increased questions at clinic visits (43%), and increased anxiety (21%). Participants reported receiving more prematurity information from the app than from their healthcare providers. The 15 participants for whom tracking data was available accessed the app for an average of 8 h.
Conclusion:
Parents with increased risk for preterm birth may benefit from this mobile app educational program.
Practice Implications:
If the pregnancy results in preterm birth hospitalization, parents would have built a foundation of knowledge to make informed medical care choices.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Birth Control Methods
Parental Care
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Relative Risk

