The goal of this trial is to learn if a smartphone app designed to provide postpartum support is acceptable to new mothers in Pennsylvania. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How easy is the app is to use? * Does the app meet the needs of new parents? * Is using the app associated with better understanding of critical postpartum symptoms? * Is using the app associated with endorsement of positive parenting statements? Participants will: * Use a postpartum support app on their smartphones for 8 weeks * Answer survey questions about their experience
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a smartphone app designed to provide postpartum education, screening and tracking, and positive parenting support for newly postpartum English-language speakers in Pennsylvania. This trial will also examine the preliminary effectiveness of the smartphone app for identifying symptoms and supporting positive parenting beliefs by measuring knowledge and attitude changes from pre-app use to post-app use.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
The smartphone app is designed to provide postpartum education, screening and tracking, and positive parenting support for newly postpartum English-language speakers in Pennsylvania.
UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
RECRUITINGAcceptability of App
20 questions tailored from the Unified Theory of Acceptance of Use of Technology (UTAUT) asked at 3 study timepoints: 10 days, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. 11 of the 20 questions are repeated across timepoints that assess the smartphone app (e.g., "The amount of information in \[the app\] is what I need" or "Overall, I like \[the app\]"). The remaining 9 are specific to distinct features of the app that are made available to the user at specific timepoints (e.g., "I like the way the healing check-in looks and feels"; "I like the way the \[2-month\] baby milestones look and feel"). Answers are measured on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from (1)strongly disagree to (5) strongly agree (5), unless reverse-coded. Means and standard deviations will be calculated for each item, with higher responses indicating higher levels of acceptability.
Time frame: Day 10, Week 4, and Week 8 of study participation
Feasibility of App Use
Feasibility will be measured using rate of engagement. Engagement will be evaluated by the number of study weeks that users uniquely access the smartphone app.
Time frame: From enrollment (baseline) to the end of study participation at 8 weeks.
Knowledge - postpartum symptoms
From a list of 14 postpartum symptoms, participants will be asked to classify the symptom with the appropriate response: monitor at home, call your provider, or call 911/seek emergency care. Baseline knowledge will be measured at enrollment based on the number correct out of 14, with follow-up measurements taken at 10 days, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.
Time frame: Enrollment (baseline), day 10, week 4, and week 8 of study participation
Attitudes - positive parenting
From a list of 10 statements focused on parenting practices, participants will rate the statements from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). Example statements include, "Skin-to-skin contact improves baby health and development," "Babies need strict routines" (reverse coded), and "Infants should be fed when they show hunger cues." These responses are summed, with higher scores indicating stronger endorsement of positive parenting. These measurements are taken as a baseline measurement at enrollment, and then again at 10 days, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Enrollment (baseline), day 10, week 4, and week 8 of study participation