The Role of Social Networks in Improving Women's Self-Care During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnant women are always faced with common physical and mental problems during pregnancy and postpartum. Self - care through social networks as an effective and influential fact or in women's empowerment can improve their physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of social networks in improving women's self - care during pregnancy and postpartum.

This cross - sectional study wa s conducted through a researcher - made questionnaire. We invited 285 pregnant women referred to Fasa medical centers (Shiraz, Iran). 110 pregnant women agreed to participate in the study. Finally, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 96 pregna nt women entered the study and completed the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage, frequency) and analysis of variance with SPSS 22.

Among the 44 roles of social networks in the self - care processes during pregnancy and postpartum "regular use of drugs and supplements" ( 4.43 ± 0.81 ), "timely and regular tests (screening, etc.) , ultrasounds during pregnancy" ( 4.22 ± 0.90 ) and "communication with a public health expert in health homes" ( 4.07 ± 0.97 ) were the most important roles. " Management, control and improvement of foot edema " ( 1.71 ± 1.01 ), "Management and control of complications due to iron deficiency" ( 1.97 ± 1.11 ) and "Social support" ( 2.25 ± 1.17 ) were the least important roles. There was si gnificance relationship between education level, job, duration of membership in social networks and duration of use of social networks during the one day with demographic characteristics. There was no significant relationship between age and children at ho me with demographic characteristics of women.

Social networks as an important source of information can help to improve women's self - care processes during pregnancy and postpartum. Women during pregnancy and postpartum can easily find informati on about lifestyle, how to manage pregnancy side effects, manage psychological issues, and communicate with other pregnant women or treatment team by social networks.