Effectiveness of 'Supportive Parenting App' on Parental and Newborn Outcomes

Evaluate the Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of 'Supportive Parenting App' a Mobile Based Application on Parental and Newborn Outcomes: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial

The Supportive Parenting App is a theory-based perinatal educational intervention for couples administered through a mobile application. The intervention comprise of knowledge-based content, informational videos and audio, discussion forum, peer volunteer chat group, and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) expert advice section.

The aims of the study are to:

1. develop theory-based supportive parenting App (SPA) intervention for both first-time and experienced parents across perinatal period
2. examine its effectiveness on parental outcomes: including maternal depression at 12 months postpartum (primary outcome), paternal depression, parental anxiety, parenting self-efficacy, help - seeking behavior (social support), parental bonding and parenting satisfaction (secondary outcomes); and new-born outcomes: physical, social and emotional developments (secondary outcomes)
3. evaluate SPA's cost-effectiveness as compared to standard perinatal care across major restructured hospitals, and
4. examine the perceptions of parents in receiving this intervention.

When compared with those in the control group receiving standard care:

1. parents receiving SPA intervention will have better- emotional well-being (reduced depression and anxiety);parenting self-efficacy; social support; bonding and satisfaction.
2. new-borns of parents receiving SPA will have better physical, social and emotional development
3. It will be more cost-effective to provide SPA than the standard care

Inclusion Criteria:

• able to read and speak English
• have low-risk singleton pregnancy with more than 24 weeks of gestation (age of viability)
• have smartphone with internet access

Exclusion Criteria:

• have physical or mental disorders which would interfere with their ability to participate in the study
• have high-risk pregnancy including placenta-previa major, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension etc.
• have complicated assisted delivery such as vacuum or forceps with 4th degree perineal tear of the mother; and /or
• give birth to a newborn at still-birth or a newborn with congenital anomalies and/or medical complications including pathological jaundice, that required special care in hospital.