Evaluation of the Effectiveness of WeChat-Based Continuing Care Services on Maternal Parenting Competence.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of WeChat-based continuing care services in enhancing maternal parenting competence.

Design: This study included 524 primiparas who underwent obstetrics department from June 2022 to June 2023. 286 women were assigned to the intervention group, receiving WeChatbased continuing care services, while 238 women were assigned to the control group, receiving traditional care services.

Methods: Key measures included neonatal health metrics, maternal caregiving knowledge, the incidence of postpartum depression, and self-25 efficacy scores.

Findings: The intervention group showed significantly shorter neonatal jaundice duration (p = 0.005), reduced incidence of newborn adverse reactions such as diarrhea and eczema (p < 0.05), and higher maternal selfefficacy scores in both skills and inner activities (p < 0.01). Postpartum 30 depression was lower in the intervention group (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the duration of umbilical cord detachment, breastfeeding practices or maternal satisfaction with hospital care between groups. Knowledge of newborn care was improved in the intervention group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: WeChat-based continuing care services enhanced maternal 35 self-efficacy, knowledge, and reduced postpartum depression.

Clinical evidence: WeChat-based continuing care services demonstrates promising potential in enhancing maternal parenting competence..