The Effect of “Motivational Interviewing” and “Information,
Motivation, and Behavioral Skills Model” Counseling Interventions on
the Choice of Delivery Mode in Pregnant Women Using Face-to-Face
Training vs. Mobile App: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Objective To investigate the impact of counseling
interventions, using face-to-face training vs. mobile app for choosing
mode of delivery. Design A four-armed, randomized, controlled
parallel-design trial. Setting Ebnesina Private Hospital in
Tehran, Iran. Population Pregnant women, between 24 and 32
weeks of gestation (n=120). Methods: Pregnant women were
randomly assigend in three psycho-educational intervention groups; 1)
motivational interviewing via face-to-face training, 2) information,
motivation, and behavioral skills model via face-to-face training, 3)
the same model via a mobile application, and 4) usual antenatal care
(control group). To assess the face-to-face and mobile app method
training method on women’s self-efficacy and intention in choosing a
mode of delivery. Main outcome measures Mode of delivery
(Cesarean section) Results: While all three intervention groups
showed significant increases in women’s self-efficacy and intentions to
choose vaginal delivery, the increase was particularly noticeable among
those using mobile applications: Before the intervention, self-efficacy
and intention Mean ± SD were 77.1±38.6 (CI-95%: [62.72, 91.60]) and
1.10±0.305 (CI-95%: [0.99, 1.21]), respectively. After the
intervention, these scores increased to 99.7±30.7 (CI-95%: [88.27,
111.20]) for self-efficacy and 1.70±0.466 (CI-95%: [1.53, 1.87])
for intention. Although 56.7% of women in the intervention groups
expressed a preference for vaginal delivery, only 37.5% ultimately
pursued this birthing method Conclusions: Brief
psycho-educational interventions, particularly technology-deriven
interventions (mobile apps) can increase the likelihood of women
choosing vaginal delivery. To enhance the effectiveness of such
interventions, they can be conducted in conjunction with interventions
for doctors and healthcare providers.