#0153 Pregnancy Challenges in the Workplace: Can a Mobile App Promote Healthy Practices and Self-Care?
Pregnancy Challenges in the Workplace: Can a Mobile App Promote Healthy Practices and Self-Care?
More women, many of whom are of reproductive age, are now joining the workforce. Finding balance between work and pregnancy can be difficult, because working women face a higher risk of pregnancy complications and have limited time for prenatal education. On the other hand, mobile apps are convenient, time-saving, and can be a fun way to carry out important tasks. Imagine getting personalized reminders to stretch, hydrate, or even take a moment to breathe and relax amidst a hectic workday.
Researchers in South Korea conducted a study to test the effectiveness of an app called ‘Self-care for Pregnant Women at Work (SPWW)’ in helping working pregnant women with stress management and self-care during pregnancy. The study lasted 4 weeks and involved 126 pregnant women from South Korea, with 63 women in each group. One group was provided access to the SPWW app, whereas the other group did not receive access.
The SPWW application was designed to help with specific daily practices: sleep and rest, eating, physical activity, and stress management. The application includes four main features to encourage these practices: eight educational sessions, a health log, a diary, and an anonymous discussion board. Since the application was developed for working pregnant women, specific guidance on integrating health practices at workplace were suggested (e.g., office exercises and smart food choices during staff meals).
The study assessed the levels of work-related stress, pregnancy stress, fear of childbirth, pregnancy experiences, and self-care practices among participants. Women who used the app reported significant improvements in managing stress and dealing with pregnancy-related challenges. Furthermore, they exhibited a greater adoption of healthier practices, crucial for the well-being of both the mother and baby.
Pregnant women who used the app were mostly interested in learning about sleep and rest during pregnancy. They reported sleep loss as one of the main problems and tried to rest regularly upon receiving push alarms. The findings highlight the need for ample sleep and rest for pregnant working women.
These findings highlight the potential of technology, when used thoughtfully, enable women to succeed both in their professional roles and as expectant mothers. The study is expected to provide basic data and evidence for developing prenatal interventions and contribute to better health for pregnant women at work. Additionally, adequate support from government policies and workplaces has the potential to amplify these positive effects.
Link to the original journal article:
https://academic.oup.com/joh/article/65/1/e12402/7479288
Title of the paper:
Effectiveness of mobile-based intervention Self-care for Pregnant Women at Work: A randomized controlled trial.
Authors:
Yaelim Lee, Seohyeon Kim, Soeun Choi
