Document Type
Dissertation
Graduation Date
12-2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Health
First Committee Member
Dr. Ariane Rung
Second Committee Member
Dr. Chad Abresch
Third Committee Member
Dr. Holly Funkhouser-Cucuzzella
Fourth Committee Member
Dr. Nicole Kolm-Valdivia
Abstract
Background: Digital health interventions are increasingly integrated into health care delivery, yet limited evidence exists on how high-risk, low-income pregnant women engage with such tools. This convergent mixed-methods study examined patient and nursing perspectives on the use of digital health applications in the Improving Pregnancy Outcomes (IPO) program, a community-based initiative in Burlington County, New Jersey, relaunched in 2024.
Methods: IPO nursing staff from the Burlington County Health Department were invited to participate in a semi-structured questionnaire administered virtually. Patients enrolled in the re-implemented IPO program were contacted by phone and offered a survey to assess their experiences with the digital applications and the program overall.
Results: Of the 10 IPO nurses, 4 participated. Nurses generally perceived the applications as beneficial for promoting patient empowerment and postpartum preparedness, though they noted minor challenges, including advertisements and limited day-to-day integration. Since reimplementation, 21 patients enrolled in the program; 19 (90.5%) completed the survey. Among these, 13 downloaded at least one of the three offered applications. More than half of these users reported that the applications were useful (77%), convenient (92.3%), and easy to adopt (92.3%), though their impact on postpartum preparedness was less clear (54%). Moreover, a few patients described the content as overwhelming and repetitive at times. Overall, 89% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the IPO program.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that digital health applications are acceptable to both patients and providers in a community-based maternal health program serving vulnerable populations. While the tools were viewed positively, consolidating to a single application may reduce content burden and enhance usability. Future research should explore long-term postpartum outcomes and the role of digital tools in supporting maternal decision-making.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Runi M., "Enhancing Maternal Health Education: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Digitally Integrated Improved Pregnancy Outcomes Program in Burlington, New Jersey" (2025). Dissertations: Doctor of Public Health. 7.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/coph_drph_etd/7
Included in
Community Health Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Health Communication Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Quality Improvement Commons, Women's Health Commons