Online Peer Support and Well-being of Mothers and Children: Systematic Scoping Review.

Ai Yamashita,Takeo Fujiwara,Aya Isumi

doi:10.2188/jea.je20200079

Ai Yamashita, Takeo Fujiwara + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.je20200079

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Abstract

BackgroundOnline peer support groups are common and can be an effective tool for mothers with young children. The purpose of this review is to examine the types of support that online-based peer groups establish, as well as its health effects on mothers and their children.MethodsSystematic scoping review. Systematic review of existing literature was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane and Ichushi (Japanese language) database in December 2019.ResultsBased on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 1,475 articles were extracted by initial search. After the review of titles, abstracts and full texts, a total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. The types of support mothers received were mainly informational and emotional support. Mothers also felt a sense of connection and community. Some health effects of online-based peer support group were seen in the area of mothers’ mental well-being. Minimal effects were seen in behavioral modification for child nutrition and breastfeeding.ConclusionDue to the limited evidence in interventional studies, the effects of online-based peer support groups were inconclusive. Further studies with rigorous research designs would be helpful in future research.

Highlights

Online peer support groups are common and can be an effective tool for mothers with young children
This study found that frequency of Social Networking Site (SNS) use had a positive association with bonding social capital and bridging social capital
The review suggested some positive effects on maternal mental well-being, but the evidence was very limited to properly evaluate effectiveness of online peer group among the mothers of young children

Summary

Introduction

Online peer support groups are common and can be an effective tool for mothers with young children. The purpose of this review is to examine the types of support that online-based peer groups establish, as well as its health effects on mothers and their children. Especially those with young children, in communities=societies has been a frequently discussed topic.[1,2] Shifts in family=community structure and change in workstyle for women contribute to social isolation among new mothers.[3,4] The geographic loss of a community network means fewer formal and informal safety nets for mothers.[2,3,5] Birthing and parenting can be physically and mentally demanding for mothers. There used to be female family members and relatives who could share the wealth of wisdom for childbearing and childrearing at home or in the neighborhood; due to change in social structure, such as increases in the number of nuclear families, single-parent households, and pregnancies at advanced maternal age, it is more and more difficult for modern mothers to obtain readily available information and advice from their strong ties.[6,7,8]

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