Acceptability of a Mobile App-Based Intervention Program for Choosing Mode of Delivery among Pregnant Women

Maternal health and pregnancy outcomes are vitally important areas of each country's healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of a mobile app-based intervention program for choosing the mode of delivery among pregnant women.

Thirty pregnant women participated in this study. The Mobile App-Based Program focused on facilitating choosing mode of delivery based on information, motivation, and behavior model among pregnant women in Tehran, Iran. A retrospective post-intervention study was carried out. We used quantitative and qualitative semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of women participating in the Mobile app-based program and investigate the intervention's acceptability.

Quantitative result has shown that 76.6% of the users assessed the application as usable.  In the qualitative section of the study, three main themes were emerged: 1- specific features of the App (images, text, colors, and etc.); 2- advantages (distance learning method, reliability, and credibility, being user-friendly and comfortability, time-saving, and being interactive); and 3- disadvantages (fear of mobile radiation on fetus, poor internet connection, and limited audience) regarding using of the intervention.

This mobile application eased women's knowledge and behavior and satisfied them, specifically during the new-emerged pandemic. It also helped women to clarify their thoughts regarding their choice on mode of delivery. Participants suggested some shortages using the application that should be noticed.