Prevention of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight Through the mHealth Self-efficacy Program Among First-Time Pregnant Adolescents in Northern Thailand: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Preterm and low birth weight are significant health challenges among first-time pregnant adolescents in Thailand. Accessible, theory-driven interventions are needed to address these outcomes. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of the mHealth Self-Efficacy Program in improving knowledge, self-efficacy, and reducing rates of preterm birth and low birth weight. One hundred and eight first-time pregnant adolescents were purposively recruited from five community hospitals in one province, Northern Thailand. The experimental group (n = 54), receiving the intervention composed of five systems: 1) Screening; 2) Interactive Learning; 3) Advice; 4) Notification; and 5) Monitoring, whereas the control group (n = 54) received only usual care. Instruments used were a Demographic and Health Information Questionnaire, the Knowledge for Prevention Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight Assessment, the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and the Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight Newborn Monitoring Record. Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, paired-sample t-test, and Chi-square tests. The experimental group demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores following completion of the interactive learning system compared to the control group at the postpartum assessment, and also exhibited significantly higher self-efficacy, and lower rates of preterm birth and low birth weight than the control group. Thus, the mHealth Self-Efficacy Program is effective in improving knowledge, self-efficacy, and birth outcomes among pregnant adolescents. Nurses can use this program to empower adolescent mothers to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, further testing in multisite settings is needed.