Utilization and Content Evaluation of Mobile Applications for Pregnancy, Birth, and Child Care

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore the use of mobile applications about pregnancy, birth, and child care among pregnant women and to review the characteristics, contents, and credibility of the applications used by these women.MethodsThis study was cross-sectional and was conducted using a survey method. One hundred and ninety-three pregnant women participated in this study. The questionnaire was developed to examine the pattern and reasons for pregnancy-related application usage. The 47 mobile apps used by participants were reviewed and categorized based on functions and developers. The credibility of the information provided by the mobile applications was evaluated using a structured measurement.ResultsFifty-five percent of the participants were using mobile apps related to pregnancy, birth, and/or child care. First-time mothers used the apps significantly more often than women who were pregnant for the second time. Women who had used a smartphone for a longer period of time were more likely to use apps related to pregnancy, birth, and/or child care. The most frequently-used information concerned signs of risk and disease during pregnancy. Experts' quick opinions and Q&A formats related to diet and medication administration during pregnancy were the women's most cited need for content in applications. Information was the most common function of the apps. In the evaluation of information credibility, the 'information source' category had the lowest score.ConclusionsThe results showed that applications related to pregnancy, birth, and child care have become an important information source for pregnant women. To fulfill the needs of users, credible applications related to pregnancy, birth, and child care should be developed and managed by qualified healthcare professionals.

The Rise of Pregnancy Apps and the Implications for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women: Narrative Review (Preprint)

“…One US study found Google searches were the most common mode of information seeking, particularly early in pregnancy [16]. An important factor for many women was the ability to obtain information instantly and easily [6,15,17,18]. Importantly, in one global study almost half of the 613 women surveyed reported that their online information-seeking was triggered by dissatisfaction with health professionals regarding both the information provided and insufficient time to ask questions.…”

“…Skype) [6]. The highest response rate for perceived weaknesses in pregnancy apps by respondents in a Korean study [15] was the "lack of credibility" (39%). Almost half of the participants (45%) expressed a need for expert opinions and opportunities for questionand-answer sessions on diet and medication administration during pregnancy.…”

“…Younger women with less experience of pregnancy [15], and first-time mothers [47] tend to use apps more but are particularly vulnerable to non-credible information sources, since they are often active information seekers but less likely to know what to expect in pregnancy and childbirth. One study found that young first-time mothers exhibited increased levels of anxiety and tension as a result of their information seeking [47].…”

“…The most valued feature was providing useful information (83%), mainly about fetal development (89%) or pregnancy-related changes in their bodies (71%) [8]. In a Korean study [15] evaluating app use amongst 193 pregnant women, most of the participants used apps to obtain information, and the most frequently sought information was on: risks and diseases during pregnancy (17%), physical changes related to a normal pregnancy (16%), prenatal education (15%), and breastfeeding and baby food (13%). Analysis of search engine use demonstrates pregnancy information seeking to be a primary function of women's digital pregnancy-related activities in several studies [6,15,16].…”

“…In a Korean study [15] evaluating app use amongst 193 pregnant women, most of the participants used apps to obtain information, and the most frequently sought information was on: risks and diseases during pregnancy (17%), physical changes related to a normal pregnancy (16%), prenatal education (15%), and breastfeeding and baby food (13%). Analysis of search engine use demonstrates pregnancy information seeking to be a primary function of women's digital pregnancy-related activities in several studies [6,15,16]. One US study found Google searches were the most common mode of information seeking, particularly early in pregnancy [16].…”