The Effectiveness of the SOBUMIL mHealth App in Enhancing Early Detection of Pregnancy Complications in Bogor Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Global and national efforts are underway to reduce maternal mortality. Empowering pregnant women enables health decision-making and early detection of pregnancy complications. Developing applications related to pregnancy potentially improves women’s behavior in preventing pregnancy complications. Objective: This study aimed to explore the influence of SOBUMIL (Sobat Ibu Hamil), an android-based application on pregnant women’s empowerment for early detection of complications. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Bogor Regency, Indonesia. Study participants were pregnant women residing in two primary health care in their second and third trimesters. Pregnant women were excluded if they were disabled or unable to read and write. A total sample of 350 was calculated using the Lemeshow sample formula, which included an intervention and control group. Results: Overall, we found a statistically significant positive effect of SOBUMIL application in all pregnant women’s empowerment parameters to detect pregnancy complications early in Bogor Regency (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study confirms the positive influence of the SOBUMIL application in empowering pregnant women for early detection of pregnancy complications. This underscores the potential of mobile health interventions to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and abilities, enabling independent monitoring and addressing of pregnancy-related risks, ultimately improving maternal healthcare outcomes.