Evaluating a Mobile Health Education and Support Program to Improve Postnatal Health for Indian Women

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a culturally tailored mobile interactive education and support group intervention called MeSSSSage among postpartum Indian women. The study focuses on improving health-related knowledge, behaviors, and outcomes for mothers and newborns, addressing challenges like limited postpartum care access and social isolation. It is a randomized controlled trial involving 2100 women from three diverse Indian states, intending to assess the interventions impact, mechanisms, and cost-effectiveness. Participants in the intervention group receive 26 education and support sessions over eight months, including two prenatal and weekly postpartum sessions up to six months after birth. The sessions are delivered via audioconference and moderated by community health workers, with additional engagement through a provider-moderated group text chat. The control group receives standard postnatal care. The intervention is designed to supplement usual care and overcome barriers through mobile technology and social support. During the study, participants will be assessed on exclusive breastfeeding, postpartum depression, and family planning adoption at six months. Other outcomes include knowledge of maternal and neonatal danger signs, healthcare use, and infant vaccination. Researchers will monitor participant engagement and analyze how the intervention influences knowledge, social support, self-efficacy, and behaviors. The study also includes cost-effectiveness analyses and will follow participants for eight months to gather comprehensive data on postpartum health and well-being.

mHealth India Postnatal Health Intervention Effectiveness