Examining the Effectiveness of Interactive Webtoons for Premature Birth Prevention: Protocol for a Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health Interventions
• Public Health
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Premature birth presents global health challenges with limited success in incidence reduction.
• A gap exists in women of childbearing age's (WCA) awareness of premature birth risks and prevention.
• Interactive webtoons can deliver accessible health education to promote preventive behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a web-based intervention (PSIDK-iWebtoons) for WCA.
• To enhance self-management efficacy and promote behaviors preventing premature birth.
• To evaluate the impact on health beliefs and intention to prevent premature birth.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with an explanatory sequential mixed methods design.
• Participants assigned to PSIDK-iWebtoons or text-based information (PSIDK-Texts) for 3 weeks.
• Primary outcome: self-management self-efficacy scale for premature birth prevention (PBP); secondary outcomes: health belief model constructs and PBP intention.

Main Results:

• Intervention and control materials developed and pilot-tested.
• Quantitative data collection ongoing (Nov 2023-Mar 2024), qualitative data collection ongoing (Feb-May 2024).
• Process evaluation and data interpretation are underway.

Conclusions:

• This trial provides foundational insights into web-based interventions for improving knowledge and practices related to premature birth prevention (PBP).
• Demonstrates the efficacy and feasibility of interactive digital tools for PBP.
• Contributes evidence for accessible digital platforms to foster preventive health behaviors and mitigate premature birth risks.