The Effect of Distance Learning via SMS on Knowledge & Satisfaction of Pregnant Women

Introduction: Nowadays, cell phone has proved to be a useful device for education and access to health services particularly in developing countries. The present study aimed to determine the effect of distance learning program via SMS during pregnancy on the knowledge and satisfaction of pregnant women. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Isfahan city during 2012-13. The sample included 300 eligible pregnant women who were selected through convenience method and assigned randomly to two groups. The control group received routine prenatal trainings while the experimental group received those trainings plus a daily pregnancy age-appropriate educational message. The knowledge of the participants was assessed at the beginning and the end of trainings using a researcher-made questionnaire, and the satisfaction of the experimental group was also assessed by a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent t-test, paired t-test and ANOVA. Results: The mean and standard deviation of pre-test scores were 8.62±3.33 and 8.69±4.09 in experimental and control group respectively, indicating no statistically significant difference (p=0.86). However, comparison of post-test mean scores in the experimental group (11.68±3.80) and the control group (7.56±3.53) showed a significant difference (P<0.001). Evaluation of the experimental group’s satisfaction with SMS method showed that 100 percent of participants were satisfied with the sequence and the number of the messages and 98.1 percent of them expressed satisfaction with message contents. Overall, 98.7 percent of participants were satisfied with this method. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the use of SMS in presenting pregnancy trainings could lead to increased knowledge and satisfaction of pregnant women. Therefore, planning and implementation of this method along with pregnancy trainings are recommended.