Comparing the Effect of Electronic Software and Training Booklet on Maternal Self-Confidence and Awareness About Newborn Care: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: The use of a training booklet and electronic software has a special place due to lack of time and space constraints. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of electronic software and training booklet on maternal self-esteem and awareness regarding newborn care in nulliparous women. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 126 pregnant women with a gestational age of 36-38 weeks in health care centers in the city of Miandoab, Iran from February 2015 until April 2016. Using a randomized block design, participants were assigned into 2 groups (42 mothers receiving electronic software and 42 mothers receiving training booklet) and control group (42 mothers receiving postpartum routine training). An oral training session was held for participants in both intervention groups. Then, a training booklet or electronic software was provided to them. Maternal self-esteem and awareness regarding newborn care questionnaires were completed by participants in the 3 groups at the start of the intervention and 4 weeks after the childbirth. Results: After controlling the baseline values, the mean score of self-confidence in the training booklet group (adjusted mean difference = 5.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.2 to 10.0; P = 0.012) was significantly higher compared with the control group. Furthermore, the mean score of awareness regarding newborn care in the training booklet group (1.5; 0.6 to 2.3; P < 0.001) and the electronic software group (2.0; 1.2 to 2.9; P < 0.001) was significantly higher compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups after the intervention in terms of level of awareness and self-confidence. Conclusions: The results showed a significant effect of electronic software and training booklet in raising awareness about newborn care and self-confidence. Therefore, these methods are advisable to mothers.