The Effect of Smartphone-based Self-care Education on Awareness, Perceived Severity and Self-care Behaviors in Pregnant Women at Risk of Preterm Birth during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background & aim: The fear of being affected by COVID-19 has significantly reduced perinatal care. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of smartphone-based self-care education on awareness, perceived severity, and self-care of pregnant women at risk of preterm birth during a covid-19 pandemic.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 115 pregnant women at risk of preterm birth that was assigned into intervention (N=58) and control (N=57) groups. The research tools included the demographic and preterm delivery screening checklist, awareness, perceived severity, and self-care questionnaires. The intervention group received training files using WhatsApp software within two weeks. The control group received no intervention. The questionnaires were completed before (T1), 8 (T2) and 12 (T3) weeks after the implementation of the intervention in two groups. ANOVA, ANCOVA, independent t-test, chi-square, and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the data using SPSS software (version 24)  Results: No significant difference was found between baseline data (T1) before the intervention in two groups (p>0.05); while after the intervention, a significant increase was observed in the mean score of awareness at T2 and T3 compared to T1 (P<0.001) as well as self-care at T2 and T3 compared to T1 (P<0.001). Also, a significant decrease was observed in the mean score of perceived severity (P<0.001) in the intervention and control group over time. Conclusion: It appears that distance learning to provide care for pregnant women and informing healthcare providers about their condition can be useful, especially for those who are at risk during pandemics