Web-based versus home-based postnatal psychoeducational interventions for first-time mothers: A randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Psychology
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• First-time mothers face significant physical, mental, and role-adaptation challenges post-childbirth.
• While home-based psychoeducation shows benefits, accessible, cost-effective web-based interventions are under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of web-based versus home-based postnatal psychoeducational interventions for first-time mothers.
• To compare these interventions against a control group in the early postpartum period.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 204 primiparas allocated to web-based, home-based psychoeducation, or control groups.
• Data collected at baseline, and 1, 3, and 6 months post-delivery, measuring self-efficacy, social support, well-being, and satisfaction.
• Cost-effectiveness was also evaluated.

Main Results:

• Web-based intervention improved maternal self-efficacy and reduced postnatal depression compared to controls.
• Both web-based and home-based interventions enhanced social support and postnatal care satisfaction.
• No significant differences in anxiety were found; web-based intervention was non-inferior to home-based.

Conclusions:

• Web-based psychoeducation offers superior benefits for maternal self-efficacy, social support, and postnatal depression.
• This digital intervention is recommended for first-time mothers to improve postnatal care outcomes.