Effect of Whats-App Reminder Messages on Pregnant Women′ Knowledge and Behavior regarding Antenatal Health

Abstract

Background: The provision of health information via whatsapp media can increase knowledge about pregnancy health. Furthermore, good knowledge can lead to awareness, which would eventually cause a pregnant woman to behave in accordance with their knowledge. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Whats-App reminder messages on pregnant women′ knowledge and behavior regarding antenatal health. Design: Quasi experimental research design was used in this study. Setting: It was conducted at Antenatal Clinics in Women Health Hospital, Assiut University. Sample: purposive sample of 100 pregnant women. Tools: Three tools were used in this study (1) structured interviewing questionnaire, (2) knowledge assessment tool, (3) healthy behaviors assessment tool. Results: There is highly statistical significance difference between pre &posttest regarding total knowledge about antenatal health and the healthy behaviors of studied women with p-value 0.001. Conclusion: There was an improvement in the knowledge regarding antenatal health and adherence to healthy behaviors of pregnant women after health promotion by whatsapp reminder messages. Recommendations: Health facilities should start utilizing whatsApp reminder as a policy to promote adherence of pregnant women with the healthy behaviors.