Effect of smartphone application-assisted nursing intervention on breastfeeding self-efficacy of postpartum women with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to study the effect of mobile application-assisted nursing intervention on exclusive breastfeeding-self efficacy of postpartum multiple sclerosis women.. Materials and Methods: The researchers utilized a quasi-experimental research design (case-control). The study was conducted at the maternal and child health centers (MCH) at Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. A purposive sample of 50 multiple sclerosis postpartum women was the target population of the present study. Three instruments were used for data collection. A structured interviewing questionnaire, breastfeeding self-efficacy scale and relation between breastfeeding and postpartum multiple sclerosis relapse questionnaire. Results and discussion: There was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding self-management during postpartum period. The improvements were related to mothers’ relationships with their health care providers and knowledge and information about multiple sclerosis during this transitional phase, which indicated that the nursing intervention had positive effect on postpartum women with multiple sclerosis. Conclusion: Postpartum women with multiple sclerosis have a satisfactory level of breastfeeding self-efficacy after mobile application-assisted nursing intervention. Hence conducting a multidisciplinary program to monitor and support mothers with MS improves self-management during the postpartum period.