Association Between Smartphone Applications for Pregnant Women and Psychological Distress in Japan

The current study investigated pregnant women's use of pregnancy applications (apps) and how these apps affect their mental health. A questionnaire was administered in the outpatient obstetrics and gynecology department at a university hospital. Of 110 pregnant women included in the analysis, 97 had downloaded and used pregnancy apps and believed that these were either helpful or a little helpful. Among the 110 respondents, 20 (18.2%) women were identified as having psychological distress. Thus, the percentage of women with psychological distress who downloaded pregnancy apps was significantly lower than women in the mentally healthy group. Non-use of pregnancy apps was strongly associated with psychological distress, indicating that pregnancy apps improve pregnant women's mental health. Alternatively, non-use of apps could arise from deteriorated mental health, causing reduced energy or inclination to use these apps. Screening for good mental health among pregnant women is important; non-use of pregnancy apps may indicate risk of mental health deterioration among pregnant women. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(1), 32-38.].