Effect of Digital applications on maternal as well as neonatal outcomes in Young pregnant girls: A Scope Review

Abstract

Objective.
To understand the effect of digital applications on maternal and neonatal outcomes in young pregnant girls.

Methods.
A PubMed, CINAHL and Medline online database search was conducted, and related studies were included the databases were searched in order to carry out a more in detailed search of the available literature utilizing keywords like “digital technology”; “adolescent mothers”; and “infant, newborn”, as well as Boolean operators to generate papers pertinent which were correlating with the objective of the study.

Results.
The findings revealed that the PPPs employed produced both positive and negative effects on mothers and newborns. Some were effective, especially in aspects related to improved mental health, while others did not necessarily support the adolescents in preparing for pregnancy and childbirth, but rather raised their anxiety levels. Similarly, the use of these apps decreased the use of emergency neonatal services by the adolescent mothers and the infants were lower in likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding. Participants appreciated the social media-based instruction, but this exposure did not translate into considerable change in routines and behaviors.

Conclusion.
Digital and web-based solutions had the ability to influence adolescent pregnancy outcomes, but further research is needed to assess the extent to which these support services are useful in this Population Group.

Full text

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1 Associate Professor, Ph.D. Email:
jasneetkaur@scon.edu.in. Corresponding author
2 Professor, Ph.D. Email: sheelaupendra@scon.edu.in
3 Associate Professor, Ph.D. Email:
shitalbarde@scon.edu.in
4 Symbiosis College of Nursing, Symbiosis Interna-
tional (Deemed University), Pune, India.
Conflicts of interest: None
Received: May 11, 2023.
Approved: September 27, 2023.
How to cite this article: Kaur Jasneet, Upendra Sheela,
Barde Shital. Intervention of Digital applications on ma-
ternal as well as neonatal outcomes in Young pregnant
girls: A Scope Review. Invest. Educ. Enferm. 2023;
41(3):e07.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iee.v41n3e07
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Review
Eect of Digital
applications on
maternal as well as
neonatal outcomes in
Young pregnant girls:
A Scope Review
Jasneet Kaur1,4
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6897-9137
Sheela Upendra2,4
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2413-1219
Shital Barde3,4
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1777-0629
Eect of Digital applications on
maternal as well as neonatal outcomes
in Young pregnant girls: A Scope
Review
Abstract
Objective. To understand the effect of digital applications
on maternal and neonatal outcomes in young pregnant
girls. Methods. A PubMed, CINAHL and Medline online
database search was conducted, and related studies were
included the databases were searched in order to carry out
a more in detailed search of the available literature utilizing
keywords like “digital technology”; “adolescent mothers”;
and “infant, newborn”, as well as Boolean operators to
generate papers pertinent which were correlating with the
objective of the study. Results.The findings revealed that
the PPPs employed produced both positive and negative
effects on mothers and newborns. Some were effective,
especially in aspects related to improved mental health,
while others did not necessarily support the adolescents
in preparing for pregnancy and childbirth, but rather
Vol. 41 No 3, September – December 2023
ISSNp: 0120-5307 • ISSNe: 2216-0280

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Eect of Digital applications on maternal as well as neonatal outcomes
in Young pregnant girls: A Scope Review
raised their anxiety levels. Similarly, the use of these apps decreased the use of
emergency neonatal services by the adolescent mothers and the infants were lower
in likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding. Participants appreciated the social media-
based instruction, but this exposure did not translate into considerable change in
routines and behaviors.
Conclusion. Digital and web-based solutions had the ability to influence adolescent
pregnancy outcomes, but further research is needed to assess the extent to which
these support services are useful in this Population Group.
Descriptors: digital technology; adolescent mothers; infant, newborn.
Efecto de las aplicaciones digitales en los resultados
maternos y neonatales de las jóvenes embarazadas: Una
revisión de alcance
Resumen
Objetivo. Conocer el efecto de las aplicaciones digitales en los resultados maternos y
neonatales en jóvenes embarazadas. Métodos. Se realizó una estrategia de búsqueda
en las bases de datos en línea PubMed, CINAHL y Medline utilizando los términos
“digital technology”; “adolescent mothers”; y “infant, newborn”, y operadores
booleanos. Resultados. Los hallazgos revelaron que las APPs empleadas produjeron
efectos tanto positivos como negativos sobre las madres y los neonatos. Algunas
fueron efectivas, especialmente en los aspectos relacionados con la mejoría en la
salud mental, mientras que otras nó ayudaron necesariamente a las adolescentes a
prepararse para el embarazo y el parto, sino que más bien elevaron sus niveles de
ansiedad. Del mismo modo, el uso de estas aplicaciones disminuyó la utilización
de servicios neonatales de urgencia por las madres adolescentes y los neonatos
tuvieron menor probabilidad de tener lactancia materna exclusiva. Las participantes
apreciaron la instrucción basada en los medios sociales, pero esta exposición no se
tradujo en un cambio considerable de rutinas y hábitos. Conclusión. Las soluciones
digitales y basadas en la web tuvieron la capacidad de influir en los resultados de los
embarazos de adolescentes, pero se requiere de otras investigaciones para evaluar
hasta qué punto son útiles estos servicios de apoyo en este grupo poblacional.
Descriptores: tecnología digital; madres adolescents; recién nacido.

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Jasneet Kaur • Sheela Upendra
Shital Barde
Efeito dos aplicativos digitais nos resultados maternos e
neonatais de mulheres grávidas jovens: uma revisão de
escopo
Objetivo. Conhecer o efeito dos aplicativos digitais nos resultados maternos e
neonatais em gestantes jovens. Métodos. Foi realizada uma estratégia de busca
nas bases de dados online PubMed/Medline e CINAHL e utilizando os termos
“tecnologia digital”; “mães adolescentes”; e “bebê, recém-nascido” e operadores
booleanos. Resultados. Os resultados revelaram que os APPs utilizados produziram
efeitos positivos e negativos nas mães e nos neonatos. Alguns foram eficazes,
especialmente em termos de melhoria da saúde mental, enquanto outros não
ajudaram necessariamente os adolescentes a prepararem-se para a gravidez e o
parto, mas antes aumentaram os seus níveis de ansiedade. Da mesma forma, o
uso desses aplicativos diminuiu a utilização de serviços neonatais de emergência
por mães adolescentes e os neonatos tiveram menor probabilidade de serem
amamentados exclusivamente. Os participantes apreciaram a instrução baseada
nas redes sociais, mas esta exposição não se traduziu em mudanças consideráveis
nas rotinas e hábitos. Conclusão. As soluções digitais e baseadas na web tiveram
a capacidade de influenciar os resultados da gravidez na adolescência, mas são
necessárias mais pesquisas para avaliar até que ponto estes serviços de apoio são
úteis neste grupo populacional.
Descritores: tecnologia digital; mães adolescentes; recém-nascido.

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Eect of Digital applications on maternal as well as neonatal outcomes
in Young pregnant girls: A Scope Review
Introduction
Adolescent pregnancies are a global difficulty that affect excessive-,
center-, and developing nations but, adolescent pregnancies are extra
commonplace in marginalized groups round the world, regularly
due to poverty and a loss of get right of entry too opportunities for
schooling and employment.(1) Adolescent females were negatively impacted
by early motherhood, in addition to their spouses, households, groups, and
colleges. Teenage mothers aren’t prepared to become mothers; there need
to be bodily, psychological, social, and cognitive instruction for the transition
to motherhood.(2) Teenage women find motherhood hard and complicated
because they need to concurrently manage their responsibilities as mothers
and the developmental demanding situations of childhood.(3) They must adjust
to their growing social responsibilities, the physical changes brought on by
puberty, their substantial cognitive development, and the concern that comes
with caring for a baby.(4) The general public of adolescent mothers do no longer
have sturdy socioeconomic backgrounds, making the adjustment to parenthood
tough for them.(5) The process of achieving the maternal role entails learning
the necessary skills, developing appropriate behaviour, and establishing one’s
own maternal identity.(6) Mother adjustment and the transition to adulthood are
significantly impacted by preparation for taking on the mother role.
The transition from being a teen without children to being a mother is
challenging.(7) Teen mothers face a variety of physical, psychological, social,
and spiritual challenges, including high-risk pregnancies and births, mental
wellness issues,(8,9) various kind of responsibilities, role conflict and identity
uncertainty, insufficient social as well as spiritual hold, disturbance, and a
lack of maternal skills when coping with novel circumstances and significant
changes.(10) Teen mothers and their neonates usually suffer from various
kind of health risks because of the result of early pregnancies.(11) The
important reason of the mortality for girls in young age across the countries is
complications during labor and childbirth, with low as well as middle income
countries accounting for 99% of all maternal fatalities(12,13) among women in
the age from 15 years and 49 years internationally. Eclampsia,(14) puerperal
endometritis,(15) and systemic infections(16) are more prevalent in teenage
moms between the ages of 10 years and 19 years than in those between
20 and 24.(17) Additionally, between the ages of 15 and 19, more than 3
million insecure abortions occur each year, which raises maternal mortality,
morbidity,(18) and long term health difficulties.(19) Preterm birth, gestational
hypertension, low child birth weight, and other neonatal difficulties are among
the prenatal and postnatal issues that these teenagers are more likely to
experience.(20) There is elevated risks for preterm birth, low birth weight, and
neonatal death across all adolescent groups. Low Apgar scores at 5 minutes
were more likely among babies delivered to adolescent moms who were 17
years old or younger.(21)

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Jasneet Kaur • Sheela Upendra
Shital Barde
Family, friends, and partners are usually sources
of support for those who are pregnant or just gave
birth.(22) Recent initiatives to help young mothers
include home visits and community-based
programmes reported that the deep ties developed
during home visits may help home programmed
visit generate greater results with teenagers
who are harder to engage(23) Social media is a
significant component of digital media. It refers to
internet-based channels of mass communication
that enable user interactions, with the content
being primarily user-generated.(24,25) In this
setting, pregnant women are increasingly turning
to the internet for social and emotional support,(26)
as well as knowledge on pregnancy-related
matters like diet. Expectant mothers may turn to
social and web media or internet-based platforms
rather than conventional sources as technology(27)
develops for information or support pertaining to
pregnancy. Since the modern social structure has
changed, many women are now emotionally and
physically separated from their network of family
and friends.(28) Lack of knowledge and experience,
the influence of peers, and high risk behaviors
in teenagers; underscores the crucial role of
health care professionals.(29,30) Early motherhood
is be viewed as one of significant public health
concerns and is examined by obstetricians and
gynecologists, pediatricians, child psychologists,
sociologists, family doctors, and nurses.(19)
Providing high quality services involves awareness
of the requirements of adolescent moms, their
problems and talents. Like-minded women have
the opportunity to interact with one another and
gain social support through online alternative
support networks.(31) Web-based support services
provide user anonymity, tumbling dishonor and
encouraging the discussion of sensitive topics.
They are reachable from anywhere at any time.
Additionally, the majority of expecting moms
utilize the internet to get information on varied
topics, including labour and delivery as well as
nursing, and they see it as a reliable source of
knowledge. Therefore, the choices a mother
makes about the care of her unborn child may be
influenced by information she finds online.(32)
This Scope review is to essentially examine
the existing facts that contributes to effects
of the online or digital based Applications on
maternal and the neonatal outcomes in pregnant
adolescents’ girls. The research question focus
on the following issues: (1) What are the various
technological web applications used for maternal
and neonatal well-being? and (2) What are the
various maternal and neonatal outcomes in terms
of benefits and effects of these technological
applications?
Methods
This is a scoping review. To find databases that
could contain references, a variety of internet
search engines were also employed. The review
questions served as the direct inspiration for the
specified criteria for choosing the studies. Written
justifications were given for both inclusion and
exclusion. Studies that focused on women from the
age of 18 to 25 or identified their demographic as
teenagers, early adolescents or adolescents were
included. Any online service that allows users to
share material with one another is considered a
digital application. Physical (nutrition, exercise,
breast-feeding behaviors, complications during
labor, and risky habits like drinking alcohol and
cigarette smoking) and psychosocial (mental
wellness, anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation
and tension, self-worth, birth preparation, and
parenthood outcomes) factors have been assessed
in relation to the outcomes of mothers. Preterm
delivery, low birth weights, sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS), and obesity were all effects on
children or infants. The requirements for inclusion
were satisfied by all results gathered. We excluded
reviews, abstract concepts, proceedings of
conferences, the letters, commentary, comments,
opinions, and book chapters in favor of studies
with or without a comparison group that were
pertinent to addressing our research concerns.
We didn’t include studies that weren’t in English.
Selected studies were put through a more
thorough quality assessment using wide critical
evaluation guidelines. PEO criteria was taken into

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Eect of Digital applications on maternal as well as neonatal outcomes
in Young pregnant girls: A Scope Review
account where the population of young mothers
from 18 to 25 years of age was targeted who had
exposure of any kind of technological application/
web based application or digital application and
displaying any kind of effect in terms of maternal
and neonatal outcome.
Strategies for data collection. The databases
were selected for this investigation, and they
were used for all phases of data collection. The
CINAHL, Pubmed and Medline were all searched.
The search was conducted using logical operators
and keywords, to reduce data saturation.
Therefore, it is crucial to show that a thorough,
extensive, and wide search was conducted.
MeSH words used for the search. Search strategy
involved ((“pregnancy in adolescence”[MeSH
Terms] OR (“pregnancy”[MeSH Terms]
AND “adolescent”[MeSH Terms])) OR
((((((“adolescen*”[Title/Abstract] OR OR
“young”[Title/Abstract]) OR “”teen*”[Title/
Abstract]) OR “high school*”[Title/Abstract]) OR
“girl*”[Title/Abstract]) AND (((“pregnan*”[Title/
Abstract] OR “mother*”[Title/Abstract]) OR
“birth”[Title/Abstract]) OR “maternal”[Title/
Abstract]))) AND (“digital media”[MeSH Terms]
OR (((((((((((((“social media”[Title/Abstract] OR
“social network*”[Title/Abstract]) OR “social
network site*”[Title/Abstract]) OR “forum*”[Title/
Abstract]) OR “chatroom*”[Title/Abstract])
OR “ communications media “[Title/Abstract])
OR “new digital media”[Title/Abstract]) OR
“technology”[Title/Abstract]) OR “telehealth”[Title/
Abstract]) OR “e-health”[Title/Abstract]) OR
“m-health”[Title/Abstract)). Preferred Reporting
Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses
(PRISMA) criteria were followed.(33) To guarantee
research endorsed updated methods for providing
for expectant mothers, we only included
publications from the previous 12 years.
Study Selection. Two authors independently
reviewed all papers that were found through
database searches using MESH terms and worked
with a third author to address disagreements. The
entire texts of the studies chosen in level one were
obtained, and the same two writers independently
assessed each one to determine its eligibility. The
grounds for exclusion were meticulously classified
and recorded.
Data Extraction. Two reviewers independently
collected the data from each report. The study
design, Time period, participant characteristics,
description of the intervention, maternal
outcomes, newborn or child outcomes, findings,
and limitations were all gathered using a standard
proforma. Two reviewers collected data and
worked independently.
Quality and Bias Assessment. The Newcastle-
Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale(34) quantitatively
evaluates publications by assigning a s rating
based on the selection, comparability, and
exposure categories. The Cochrane Risk of Bias(35)
was used to analyse random controlled trials
(RCTs), which were focusing on various aspects
of trial design, conduct, and reporting. Joanna
Briggs Institute instrument(36) used to assess the
qualitative and quasi experimental studies based
on checklist.
Search Results. A Boolean search for relevant
phrases was performed yielded altogether 270
records. This restricted the number of records
to 122 in CINAHL, 88 in Medline, and 70 in
PubMed. Diagrams of PRISMA’s flow were made
as displayed in Fig 1. A few things were eliminated
since they weren’t pertinent to the subject of the
study. After removing the duplicates, the abstracts
of each publication were examined. 68 duplicates
were removed and hence 202 records were
found suitable and eligible for next screening.
2 independent authors performed the screening
where 190 records were excluded with reasons
(interventions were not based on online or digital
platform n=92, age group more than 25 years
n=88, interventions was not related to desired
outcomes n=10). Out of the left over 12 articles,
5 articles removed as no full length paper was
available (n=3), and conference proceeding
(n=2).

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Jasneet Kaur • Sheela Upendra
Shital Barde
Synthesis of Results. The studies are summarised
in Table 1. Adolescent girls in five studies received
active intervention.(39-43) Of these studies, one dealt
with contacts between adolescents and medical
professionals,(38) two with interactions between
adolescents(38,40) and the final two dealt just with online
material.(37,38) Synthesis of results followed convergent
IdentificationScreeningIncluded
Records identified from:
Databases (n = 270)
Records screened (n=202)
Records assessed for eligibility (n=12)
Studies included in the review (n=7)
Records excluded: (n = 190)
Reports excluded: (n=37)
No full length papers available (n = 3)
conference proceeding (n =2)
Records removed before screening:
Duplicate records removed (n = 68)
Figure 1. Prisma Flowchart
Results
Table 1 depicts the study characteristics and
details are discussed as follows.
synthesis where numerous outcomes gathered both
before and after the intervention, and were assessed
using self-reports, post intervention questionnaires
and results targeting the research questions which
specifically discussed in three sections which are the
use of digital applications, Outcomes for the mothers
and outcome for the neonates.
Table 1. Study Characteristics
Author and
Reference Design Sample size Exposure Key findings
Quality
assessment
Instrument
Rating
Fleming et
al.(37) Qualitative 19
Internet
based
Knowledge
This study showed that teenagers wanted
and needed information on childbirth that
was clear, accurate, and easily available.
Giving the adolescent pregnant girls reliable
electronic resources informed them, boost
their confidence, and make them more
prepared for giving birth.
JBI (qualitative
research)
Include; risk
of bias: low

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Eect of Digital applications on maternal as well as neonatal outcomes
in Young pregnant girls: A Scope Review
Author and
Reference Design Sample size Exposure Key findings
Quality
assessment
Instrument
Rating
Hudson et
al.(38) RCT
15 (Experi-
ment Group)
19 (Control
group)
Internet
education
resource
Assuming α=0.10, p<0.10;
Intervention group had lower self-esteem
than control group at 6 months; scale: RSEa
Intervention group had higher levels of
perceived competence after 6 months;
scale: PPSb
Intervention group had higher parenting
satisfaction levels after 6 months; scale:
WPBL-Rc
ERd use reduced >50% in intervention
group compared to control group (35.7% vs
70.6%); data collection: questionnaire
Intervention group was less likely to exclusi-
vely breastfeed compared to control group;
data collection: questionnaire
Cochrane Risk
of Bias 2
Include; risk
of bias: low
Jaideep
Malhotra et
al.(39)
RCT (Lon-
gitudinal
study )
512
Experimental
group-255
Control
group-257
Digital
intervention
on BCP
Stress levels and sleep habits have signifi-
cantly improved
Cochrane Risk
of Bias 2
Include; risk
of bias: low
Vander et
al.(40)
Quasi ex-
perimental 22
Intervention
by social
media
Both teenage and adult low income preg-
nant females continue to have poor food
quality.
JBI (Quasi
experimental
studies )
Include; risk
of bias: low
Dhiren
Modi et
al.(41)
Open Clus-
ter RCT
11 PHC
block on
experimental
and 11 in
control group
= 6493
mothers for
intervention
Im TeCHO
-Mobile
technology
There were substantial improvements during
antenatal period (adjusted effect size 15.7
[95% CI: 11.0, 20.4], p<0.001), postnatal
period (adjusted effect size 6.4, [95% CI:
3.2, 9.6], p<0.001), early initiation of
breastfeeding (adjusted effect size 7.8 [95%
CI: 4.2, 11.4], p<0.001), and exclusive
breastfeeding (adjusted effect size 13.4
[95% CI: 8.9, 17.9], p<0.001)
Cochrane Risk
of Bias 2
Include; risk
of bias: low
Logsdon et
al.(42)
Pretest
Post test
design
Experiment
Group 151
Comparison
group 138
web based
app
The online intervention was effective in
altering attitudes, perceptions of control,
treatment intentions, and actual treatment
receipt. No matter where they resided,
teenagers’ response to the intervention was
the same, but the influence on views may
depend on the dosage.
Newcastle-
Ottawa Quality
Assessment
Scale
Include; risk
of bias: low
Pontus He-
rricksson et
al.(43)
RCT
Intervention
group 152
and control
153
Healthy
Mom app
Three self-monitoring features (i.e., for
weight-, diet- and physical activity) was
associated with lower gestational weight
gain (β = − 0.18, p = 0.043) and improved
diet quality (β = 0.17, p =0.019). However,
the number of APP sessions and page
views were not associated with any of the
outcomes
Cochrane Risk
of Bias 2
Include; risk
of bias: low
Table 1. Study Characteristics (Cont.)
Use of digital Applications
It is essential for teaching moms to offer reliable
electronic links, mobile phone technologies, films,
and access to provider and hospital websites,
under the direction of their care providers.(37)
Hudson et al assessed the impact of Internet
based intervention – a new mom network which
could exchange experiences and learn from

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Jasneet Kaur • Sheela Upendra
Shital Barde
nurses how to take care of oneself and their
newborns. MSNTVTM was installed and linked
to the Internet in the homes of the participants
who were moms in the intervention group.
Through their internet library and interactions
with other moms and nurses, the New moms
Network intervention offered parenting advice.
Despite the fact that access devices are changing
over time, the New Mothers Network website is
well positioned for nursing-driven social support
intervention over the Internet.(38) iMumz maternity
online programme where the infant care and
parenting digital programme iMumz pregnancy
has worked closely with expectant mothers to
address these difficulties by providing a wide
range of support and activities for maternal well-
being in the convenience of their own homes. This
app aims to assist expecting mothers in creating
and maintaining a healthy, holistic lifestyle
that starts before conception and lasts till after
delivery. This software is a membership-based
platform with a library of more than 800 doable
activities in the categories of yoga, meditation,
and specific exercises for bonding with the
newborn. It is designed to help women maintain
their physical and mental well-being.(39) Vander
et al used social media intervention (weekly
prenatal health messaging).This social media
intervention includes Health information which is
distributed via Facebook (6 messages/week) and/
or mobile text message (SMS; 6 messages/week)
in the form of pregnant exercise, healthy recipes,
nutrition, fun facts about pregnancy, and stress
management.(40)
ImTeCHO is a mobile health intervention developed
by Dhiren et al. to enhance the provision of
maternity, neonatal, and child care services. The
elements of the mobile phone application were
home visit forms, a case details log, a work log,
announcements, and an SMS information channel.
During house visits, the Accredited Social Health
activists (ASHA) fills out forms on her mobile
device, which are then transmitted through the
GPRS network to a server. Similar to this, the
ANMs will receive a tablet to track high-risk cases
and keep tabs on the ASHAs’ performance.(41)
Web based depression interference on seeking
therapy for depression was examined by Logsdon
et al.(42) The elements of the Internet-based
depression intervention were Video Vignettes,
Community Resources, and Common Questions
and Their Answers. The webpage featured video
vignettes of other teenage moms discussing their
experiences with depression and how they were
successful in finding therapy for it. Using data
from the Healthy Moms app, Pontus Hanricksson
et al.(43) investigated the relationships among
user engagement, with physical activity during
pregnancy. The HealthyMoms app is a thorough
6-month programme that encourages a balanced
diet and physical exercise in order to reduce
excessive prenatal weight gain. Both Android
and iOS devices may use the software. A text
message with a link to a website that participants
in the intervention group may view on their phone
will be sent to them. Participants will be given
instructions on how to register and download the
app from Google Play or the App Store via the
website.
Outcomes for the mothers
To understand the significance on self-preparation
of mothers for giving birth in the hospital setting
using electronic media, Fleming et al.(37) did a
research on perinatal education that calls for a
thorough analysis. According to the research,
exposure to electronic media did not necessarily
help teenagers prepare for pregnancy and
childbirth, but rather raised their anxiety levels.
Despite the fact that many young moms had learned
what to anticipate during childbirth, most of this
information was fragmented, inconsistent, weakly
connected, poorly referenced, not always helpful,
and maybe even more confusing. Females may
be better prepared to give birth with confidence
when they enter the technological world of getting
ready for giving birth at a hospital by taking care
of moms’ requirements. Similarly, the impacts of
an Internet-based intervention are examined by
Hudson et al. through the New Moms Network.

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Eect of Digital applications on maternal as well as neonatal outcomes
in Young pregnant girls: A Scope Review
The authors discovered that the intervention
group’s self-esteem scores on the Rosenberg Self-
Esteem scale were considerably lower over the
course of the 6-month period (p=0.04); however,
they were unable to pinpoint a reason for this
tendency. Despite the fact that access devices
constantly changing, the New Mothers Network
website is well positioned for nursing-driven
social support intervention over the Internet and
observed a good trend in social support levels
after intervention, which was corroborated by the
participants’ qualitative remarks.(38)
However, in contrast Malhotra et al.(39) displayed
the different results through the reactions and
pregnancies of women who participated in the
iMumz maternity online programme during
pregnancy. The research revealed a statistically
significant reduction in stress levels and sleep
habits. Additionally, it revealed that the incidence
of preterm birth and low birth weight had
decreased statistically significantly in the BCP
(Baby care Program) trial group in comparison to
the control group, and that the MFA between the
mother and foetus had improved. 88% of patients
reported much less stress after beginning BCP
exercises on the app. The goal of Vandar et al. was
to assess how well a social media intervention
(weekly prenatal health messaging) affected food
quality, as well as health beliefs and knowledge.
Although participants were able to recognize
items with added sugar and acknowledged
the advantages of whole grains, their general
understanding of the My Plate Guidelines was
limited. Participants responded favorably to social
media-based instruction, however there were
minimal improvements in nutritional consumption
and understanding. Social and web media seems
to have the capacity to approach high risk women,
but bigger research are required.(40) ImTeCHO is a
mobile health intervention developed by Dhiren
et al.(41) to enhance the provision of maternity,
neonatal, and child care services. Government
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and
Primary Health care center (PHC) staff used the
mobile and web-based ImTeCHO programme
as a work tool, which increased the availability
and calibre of MNCH services in difficult-to-
reach locations.(41) The impact of a web based
depression interference on seeking therapy for
depression was examined by Logsdon et al.(42)
Significant improvements in attitude, perception
of control, desire to search for mental health
therapy, and actual seeking for the treatment of
depression were the result of the intervention.
Untreated postpartum depression has a significant
negative influence on a woman’s connection with
child her ability to perform at work and school,
her desire to seek medical attention, her ability
to be a good mother, and both her own and her
kid’s development. Increase treatment rates
for depression via a low-cost Internet-based
depression intervention.
Using data from the HealthyMoms APP, Pontus
Harricksson et al.(43) investigated the relationships
among user engagement, with physical activity
during pregnancy. The connections between
physical activity registrations and reduced
gestational weight gain accounted for the majority
of the results. But none of the outcomes were
related to the volume of app sessions or page
views.
Outcomes for the neonates
Hudson et al reported that Since 35.7% of mothers
who received the intervention brought their child
to the emergency room at least once, compared to
70.6% of mothers who did not (p=0.052), it was
discovered that the use of emergency services for
postpartum issues in the first six months had
significantly decreased following the intervention.
Each group had one suitable emergency
department visit, one hospitalised infant,
and one mother-infant pair treated for smoke
inhalation. It was shown that adolescents in the
intervention group were less likely to exclusively
breastfeed than those who received standard
care (p=0.06 [assume =0.10]).(38) Vander et
al.(40) classified teenagers as being less likely

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Jasneet Kaur • Sheela Upendra
Shital Barde
than adults to breastfeed. Prenatal distress was
linked to increased psychiatric risk, supporting
the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
model. This finding of iMumz Maternity points to
a “third pathway” for the transmission of disease
within families beyond genetics and the postnatal
effects of maternal psychopathology that affect
fetal neurobehavioral development leads to better
neonatal outcomes.(39)
Discussion
The findings of this study highlight the current
risk posed by uncontrolled pregnancy and
childbirth websites and applications, as well
as the rise of free wi-fi and free apps, which
have implications for the entire globe owing to
their accessibility on a global scale. As per the,
information currently existing, the benefits and
drawbacks of online media for teenagers who are
pregnant or just delivered are still up for debate.
(44) Despite the fact that the maximum study’s
youthful participant grew up in a society where
cutting-edge technology was often employed,
this is still the case.(25-28) In order to answer our
research questions, we carefully looked at how
teenagers’ use of the internet affected different
maternal and neonatal outcomes. A teen’s life is
greatly impacted by the online and digital media
platforms and web-based technologies currently
available and can have both good and bad results,
especially when it comes to keeping up good
friendships and refining unstable and potentially
dangerous connections.(45) Teens should carefully
choose the internet networks they join in order to
avoid psychological anguish in the future.(46)
Besides mental health outcomes, mothers have
come up with the increased knowledge and
confidence.(38,42) Online platforms may be able
to fulfil the unmet requirement for teen pregnant
women to get active given the extensive use of
online sources worldwide. The sole consistent
finding in one of the research under consideration
was mental health, with Logsdon et al. placing
greater emphasis on depression than Hudson
et al. As a result, it is impossible to draw
conclusions about our second study topic.(47) Few
finding describe dietary improvements(40) which is
supported by other studies and are in consensus
with that.(48,49) The findings underscore the need
for greater study in this vital area of regulating
teenage pregnancies and the possibility of digitally
solutions to reach teens who are pregnant or
recently gave birth and feel more comfortable to
search help online.
The results indicated that majority of the teens
believe on online and digital platforms. According to
the findings of other various studies, the majority of
pregnant women with higher education thought the
health information they discovered on the Internet
was trustworthy, dependable, and beneficial.(50-
52) Therefore, teenagers should carefully choose
which online communities they join, according
to the scientists, to minimize further emotional
trauma. Given the widespread use of social media
worldwide, social media platforms may potentially
fulfil an unmet demand to involve young pregnant
mothers. These sources make it likely for decision-
makers and health professionals to provide this
susceptible demographic with essential pregnancy-
related information in an age-appropriate manner.
Local or regional governments could be able to
sway public health regulations via social media
and internet platforms. By encouraging prenatal
follow-up compliance and reducing pregnancy-
related issues, it could prove to be a more efficient
use of the funding that is available. Governments
can expand the scope of their attention beyond
prenatal care to encompass concerns like general
women’s health.
Limitations. The limits of the selected publications,
as well as the lack of research in this vital field, are
significant constraints of this systematic review,
notably in nations, which are the most networked
globally. Despite the extensive utilization of the
web and social media by teenagers, few research
has focused on how technology use among
teenage mothers or young mother’s effects birth
outcomes.

Invest Educ Enferm. 2023; 41(3): e07
Eect of Digital applications on maternal as well as neonatal outcomes
in Young pregnant girls: A Scope Review
Conclusion. The study concluded that, there
are vast digital applications in the form of
internet-based applications, mobile technology
applications, social media applications, and
specifically designed applications like healthy
Moms which has important implications not only
for pregnant adolescents but their newborns also.
On one side the digital platforms help adolescent
mothers to reduce stress, sound sleep and active
physical mobility but on other side it also raised
anxiety level in pregnant adolescents. Similarly,
by using these applications, the utilization of
emergency neonatal services for the newborns
of adolescent mothers has been decreased but
neonates were less likely to have exclusively
breastfeed as far as neonatal outcomes are
concerned. Therefore, it evident that use of
various digital applications which have both
positive and negative effects on mothers and
neonatal outcomes It is clear from the results that
digital and web-based solutions have the ability
to better the outcomes of adolescent pregnancies,
but more thorough research is required to show
how helpful these support services are. The study
recommended that teens should take caution
when selecting which online forums to join in
order to reduce the risk of experiencing further
emotional stress.
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