Podcast-Supported Prenatal Education Based on the Health Promotion Model

Overview

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of podcast-supported prenatal education based on the Health Promotion Model on empowerment, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and quality of life among pregnant women. A total of 60 pregnant women at 8-12 weeks of gestation who meet the eligibility criteria will be included in the study and randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=30) or a control group (n=30) using block randomization. At baseline, participants in both groups will complete a Descriptive Information Form, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale in Pregnancy, the Pregnant Women Empowerment Scale, and the Pregnancy Quality of Life Scale. Following the baseline assessment, participants will be informed about the study process and the intervention schedule. Participants in the intervention group will receive a four-week online prenatal education program based on the Health Promotion Model, consisting of eight educational modules delivered twice a week. After each educational session, a podcast related to the session content will be shared with the participants. During the intervention period, participants will also receive reminders to listen to the podcasts and motivational messages to support their participation in the program. Participants in the control group will receive routine prenatal care and will be included in a WhatsApp group for communication related to the study. They will not receive the podcast-supported prenatal education program during the intervention period. The Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale in Pregnancy, Pregnant Women Empowerment Scale, and Pregnancy Quality of Life Scale will be administered to participants at three time points: baseline at 8-12 weeks of gestation, immediately after completion of the educational intervention at 20 weeks of gestation, and at 32 weeks of gestation. Changes in empowerment, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and quality of life will be compared between the intervention and control groups.

Pregnancy is an important period in which women experience substantial physical, psychological, and social changes that may influence their health behaviors, sense of empowerment, and quality of life. Prenatal education can support pregnant women in developing healthy lifestyle behaviors, making informed health-related decisions, and adapting to the changes associated with pregnancy. However, conventional prenatal education may be limited by time, accessibility, and the ability of women to review educational content at their own pace. The Health Promotion Model provides a theoretical framework for understanding and supporting health-promoting behaviors by addressing individual characteristics, perceived benefits and barriers, self-efficacy, interpersonal influences, and situational factors. Integrating this model into prenatal education may help pregnant women recognize factors affecting their health behaviors and strengthen their ability to actively participate in decisions related to their health during pregnancy. Podcasts may provide an accessible and flexible method for reinforcing prenatal education. Because podcast content can be listened to repeatedly and at a time and place convenient for the participant, it may facilitate continued engagement with educational information beyond scheduled online sessions. Combining structured online prenatal education with podcast-based reinforcement may therefore provide an innovative approach to supporting health promotion during pregnancy. This study is designed to determine whether a prenatal education program based on the Health Promotion Model and supported by podcasts can improve pregnant women's empowerment, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and quality of life compared with routine prenatal care. The intervention is intended to provide structured educational content while reinforcing key messages through podcasts, reminders, and motivational communication throughout the intervention period.