The Effect of a Mobile-Based Education App on Fear of Childbirth in Pregnant Women

Abstract

BACKGROUNDFear of childbirth is one of the most important reasons for not choosing natural childbirth. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of a mobile-based education (MBE) app on fear of childbirth in pregnant women.METHODSThe present study was quasi-experimental and included 114 pregnant women assigned to experimental (n = 57) and control (n = 57) groups. Data collection tools included the demographic information questionnaire and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire. Questionnaires were completed and then an educational intervention based on a mobile app was performed for the experimental group. The mothers of the experimental group were instructed to read the entire contents of the application once a week for 8 weeks. The questionnaires were completed again after 8 weeks of educational intervention and after delivery.RESULTSResearch units had no significant differences in personal data at the beginning of the study (p >.05). After the intervention, in the experimental and control groups, the mean change score of fear of childbirth had significant differences (p < .001). In addition, the mean change in fear of childbirth score before and after the intervention in the experimental group was significant (p < .001). However, in the control group, there was no significant difference between before and after the intervention.CONCLUSIONThe results of this study showed that mobile application-based education is effective on the fear of childbirth in pregnant women. Therefore, it is recommended that health care providers, especially midwives, use this educational method to prevent and reduce the fear of childbirth in pregnant women.