Do mobile health applications supporting self-monitoring during pregnancy strengthen the sense of security, life satisfaction, and social support among pregnant women? – comparative analysis

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. The continuous dynamic development of medical applications creates new opportunities in perinatal care that need to be analyzed and continuously updated. Special attention should be paid to how their use affects the condition of pregnant women and their families. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the sense of security and social support, and life satisfaction between pregnant women using and not using medical applications. Material and methods. Cross-sectional studies using the CAWI method were conducted in March 2022. The research used an original questionnaire The Satisfaction With Life Scale, The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Security Experience Questionnaire. Results. A total number of 1077 pregnant women participated in the study, 1002 of whom used and 75 did not use medical applications monitoring the course of pregnancy. Most of the surveyed women were aged 26-35, and were in their first pregnancy and in the third trimester. The most frequently cited reasons for using the application were pictures showing the fetus size and monitoring the baby condition, while the reason for not using the application was considering it a waste of time. Conclusions. Women using mobile applications were characterized by higher scores on life satisfaction, sense of security, and social support.