Digital Educational Support Groups Administered through WhatsApp Messenger Improve Health-Related Knowledge and Health Behaviors of New Adolescent Mothers in the Dominican Republic: A Multi-Method Study
Samantha Stonbraker, Elizabeth Haight, Alana Lopez, Linda Guijosa, Eliza Davison, Diane Bushley, Kari Aquino Peguero, Vivian Elizabeth Araujo, Luz Messina, Mina Halpern
Abstract
BACKGROUND: (1)In limited-resource settings such as the Dominican Republic, many factors contribute to poor health outcomes experienced by adolescent mothers, including insufficient support and/or health knowledge. In response, we designed a digital educational support group, administered through WhatsApp Messenger, for new adolescent mothers. The purpose of this study was to assess if participation in this digital support group could improve health outcomes and health behaviors. METHODS: (2)Participants completed questionnaires with a health literacy screener, demographic items, knowledge questions, the Index of Autonomous Functioning, and five Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scales before and after the moderator-led intervention. Differences between pre- and post-intervention scores were calculated and perceptions of the intervention were explored through in-depth interviews analyzed with content analysis. Participants' well-baby visit attendance and contraceptive use were compared to that of controls and a national sample. RESULTS: < 0.05). Participants indicated the intervention was enjoyable and beneficial. CONCLUSION: (4)This adolescent-centered digital intervention is a promising method to improve health outcomes and health behaviors of young mothers in limited-resource settings.