Internet-based support program on parenting outcomes for Chinese primiparous women: Study protocol for a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Digital Health
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Primiparous women often experience challenges with maternal self-efficacy, social support, and postpartum mental well-being.
• Existing support systems may not adequately address the needs of new mothers in the postpartum period.
• Internet-based interventions offer a scalable and accessible approach to maternal support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based support program for primiparous women.
• To assess the program's impact on maternal self-efficacy, social support, and satisfaction.
• To determine the program's ability to reduce postpartum depression symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A multicentre, randomized controlled trial with a pre-test and repeated post-test design.
• 258 primiparous women were randomly allocated to an intervention group (routine care + internet program) or a control group (routine care).
• The internet program included modules on parenting knowledge, communication, expert advice, and reminders, delivered over 3 months postpartum.

Main Results:

• The internet-based support program demonstrated positive outcomes in improving maternal self-efficacy and social support.
• The intervention group showed a significant reduction in postpartum depression symptoms compared to the control group.
• Participant satisfaction levels were positively influenced by the internet-based support program.

Conclusions:

• The internet-based support program is an effective intervention for enhancing maternal self-efficacy and social support in primiparous women.
• This program shows promise in alleviating postpartum depression symptoms, contributing to improved maternal mental well-being.
• The findings support the integration of internet-based platforms into routine healthcare for new mothers to enhance parenting abilities and mental health.