Comparing the effect of electronic software and training booklet on maternal self-confidence and awareness about newborn care : a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract EN

Background: The use of a training booklet and electronic software has a special place due to lack of time and space constraints.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of electronic software and training booklet on maternal self-esteem and awareness regarding newborn care in nulliparous women.

Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 126 pregnant women with a gestational age of 36 - 38 weeks in health care centers in the city of Miandoab, Iran from February 2015 until April 2016.

Using a randomized block design, participants were assigned into 2 groups (42 mothers receiving electronic softwareand42 mothers receiving training booklet)andcontrol group (42 mothers receiving postpartum routine training).

An oral training session was held for participants in both intervention groups.

Then, a training booklet or electronic software was provided to them.

Maternal self-esteem and awareness regarding newborn care questionnaires were completed by participants in the 3 groups at the start of the intervention and 4 weeks after the childbirth.

Results: After controlling the baseline values, themeanscore of self-confidence in the training booklet group (adjustedmeandifference = 5.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.2 to 10.0; P = 0.012) was significantly higher compared with the control group.

Furthermore, the mean score of awareness regarding newborn care in the training booklet group (1.5; 0.6 to 2.3; P < 0.001) and the electronic software group (2.0; 1.2 to 2.9; P < 0.001) was significantly higher compared with the control group.

There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups after the intervention in terms of level of awareness and self-confidence.

Conclusions: The results showed a significant effect of electronic software and training booklet in raising awareness about newborn care and self-confidence.

Therefore, these methods are advisable to mothers.