Association of Maternal Observation and Motivation (MOM) Program with m-Health Support on Maternal and Newborn Health

Abstract

Maternal and child nutrition has been a critical component of health, sustainable development, and progress in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). While a decrement in maternal mortality is an important indicator, simply surviving pregnancy and childbirth does not imply better maternal health. One of the fundamental obligations of nations under international human rights law is to enable women to endure pregnancy and delivery as an aspect of their enjoyment of reproductive and sexual health and rights and to live a dignified life. The aim of this study was to discover the correlation between the Maternal Observation and Motivation (MOM) program and m-Health support for maternal and newborn health. A comparative study was done among 196 pregnant mothers (study group—94; control group—102 mothers) with not less than 20 weeks of gestation. Maternal outcomes such as Hb and weight gain and newborn results such as birth weight and crown–heel length were obtained at baseline and at 28 and 36 weeks of gestation. Other secondary data collected were abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, major congenital malformations, twin or triplet pregnancies, physical activity, and maternal well-being. The MOM intervention included initial face-to-face education, three in-person visits, and eight virtual health coaching sessions via WhatsApp. The baseline data on Hb of the mothers show that 31 (32.98%) vs. 27 (28.72%) mothers in the study and control group, respectively, had anemia, which improved to 27.66% and 14.98% among study group mothers at 28 and 36 weeks of gestation (p < 0.001). The weight gain (p < 0.001), level of physical activity (p < 0.001), and maternal well-being (p < 0.01) also had significant differences after the intervention. Even after controlling for potentially confounding variables, the maternal food practices regression model revealed that birth weight was directly correlated with the consumption of milk (p < 0.001), fruits (p < 0.01), and green vegetables (p < 0.05). As per the physical activity and maternal well-being regression model, the birth weight and crown–heel length were strongly related with the physical activity and maternal well-being of mothers at 36 weeks of gestation (p < 0.05). Combining the MOM intervention with standard antenatal care is a safe and effective way to improve maternal welfare while upholding pregnant mothers’ human rights.

A Cluster Randomised Control Trial of an SMS-Based Intervention to Promote Antenatal Health amongst Pregnant Women in a Remote, Highland Region of Vietnam

“…More generally, though, the limits of an SMS-based approach in improving MNCH indicators in this setting are clear from the lack of improvements in some outcomes, such as awareness of swelling and convulsions as danger signs, DHA as an important supplement during pregnancy, and knowledge of blood type [9,21]. Evidence suggests that multipronged approaches that involve messages, reminders, and coaching sessions that enabling health workers to support women, together with in-person education [10], have the potential to have a greater effect on MNCH-related behaviour change.…”

“…The previous results of the impact of mHealth interventions on MNCH in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) reveal that mHealth interventions are effective at improving various MNCH outcomes such as increased utilisation of antenatal and postnatal care (PNC) services, use of skilled birth attendance, immunisation, iron supplementation, and exclusive breastfeeding [7,10,[24][25][26][27][28][29]. Mbuthia et al (2019) [30], in their systematic review of the impact of mHealth-based interventions on PNC in rural settings, found that SMS-based messaging can positively influence attitudes, norms, skills, and self-efficacy among mothers and address environmental barriers that hinder the uptake of PNC in rural areas [30].…”

Dietitian-led cluster randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of mHealth education on health outcomes among pregnant women: a protocol paper

“…On the other hand, studies available showed mHealth application alone produced better health outcomes than routine standard care 86–91. Similarly, mHealth apps integrating with healthcare professional’s guidance promoted better health outcome compared with routine care alone 92 93. Meanwhile, it is evident that mHealth application among community dwellers have limited use without the interaction with healthcare team 94 95.…”