Development and Effects of Mobile-Application-Based Parenting Support Program for Premature Infants' Mothers

Background: Premature infants are separated from their parents after birth and are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Separation of babies from mothers causes various problems. Therefore, as the number of premature infants increases every year, educational programs to continuously support baby care are needed. Methods: In this study, a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design was employed. The subjects of the study were 52 mothers of premature infants (16 in the app-based program group, 18 in the electronic document group, and 18 in the control group) using a portal site for parents from February to April 2023. The app-based program and electronic document group followed a parenting support program for two weeks. Results: There were significant differences in maternal confidence between the app-based, electronic document, and control groups (F = 7.354, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Providing necessary information and emotional support through professional counseling centers' app-based programs for premature infants' mothers, and providing interaction through member community bulletin boards, are proposed to form an effective educational program.