Abstract

Background: The use of a training booklet and electronic software has a special place due to lack of time and space constraints. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of electronic software and training booklet on maternal self-esteem and awareness regarding newborn care in nulliparous women. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 126 pregnant women with a gestational age of 36 - 38 weeks in health care centers in the city of Miandoab, Iran from February 2015 until April 2016. Using a randomized block design, participants were assigned into 2 groups (42 mothers receiving electronic softwareand42 mothers receiving training booklet)andcontrol group (42 mothers receiving postpartum routine training). An oral training session was held for participants in both intervention groups. Then, a training booklet or electronic software was provided to them. Maternal self-esteem and awareness regarding newborn care questionnaires were completed by participants in the 3 groups at the start of the intervention and 4 weeks after the childbirth. Results: After controlling the baseline values, themeanscore of self-confidence in the training booklet group (adjustedmeandifference = 5.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.2 to 10.0; P = 0.012) was significantly higher compared with the control group. Furthermore, the mean score of awareness regarding newborn care in the training booklet group (1.5; 0.6 to 2.3; P < 0.001) and the electronic software group (2.0; 1.2 to 2.9; P < 0.001) was significantly higher compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups after the intervention in terms of level of awareness and self-confidence. Conclusions: The results showed a significant effect of electronic software and training booklet in raising awareness about newborn care and self-confidence. Therefore, these methods are advisable to mothers.

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