Internet-Based Interventions for Preventing Premature Birth Among Pregnant Women: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Premature birth rates have slightly increased globally, making its prevention critical for both short-term and long-term health outcomes. Various interventions have been developed in response to the multifaceted risk factors for premature birth, including internet-based programs. These programs offer accessibility and enhanced engagement; however, their overall efficacy in preventing premature births requires thorough evaluation.

Objective: This systematic review aims to identify the study designs and assess the effectiveness of internet-based interventions in preventing premature birth among pregnant women.

Methods: A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify randomized trials and quasi-experimental studies evaluating internet-based interventions for premature birth prevention in pregnant women. The search was inclusive, with no restrictions based on language or geographical location, allowing for a comprehensive global perspective. The time frame for the inclusion of studies extended until February 2023. The risk of bias (RoB) in each study was independently assessed by 3 authors forming pairs, using the revised Cochrane RoB tool (RoB 2) for randomized trials, as per the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Owing to heterogeneity in populations, measurements, and interventions, a meta-analysis was not conducted.

Results: This review included 26 articles, comprising 12 intention-to-treat and 14 per-protocol studies. The overall RoB was high in most intention-to-treat studies and of some concern in most per-protocol studies. The target populations varied, including nonspecific pregnant women, those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or those at risk of GDM, individuals with anxiety or depression, and those experiencing preterm labor. Psychosocial, physiological, and wellness health outcomes were evaluated. Internet-based interventions effectively reduced stress/distress in nonspecific pregnant women but not in those experiencing preterm labor. Their effectiveness in reducing anxiety and depression varied, with inconsistent results among different groups. In women with GDM or those at risk of GDM, interventions successfully controlled fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose levels but did not consistently manage glycated hemoglobin levels. These interventions did not reduce the incidence of premature births across the various populations studied. The effectiveness of these internet-based interventions in addressing substance or alcohol abuse and insomnia also varied.

Conclusions: Internet-based interventions show promise in improving psychosocial health and managing blood sugar to prevent premature birth, highlighting variability in effectiveness across different risk factors. Further research, including clinical trials, is vital for developing, evaluating, and disseminating effective, safe internet-based interventions. Establishing standardized measurement tools and rigorous evaluation processes is crucial for enhancing these interventions' effectiveness and reliability in clinical practice, significantly contributing to preventing premature births and improving maternal health outcomes.

Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42021278847; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021278847.

Keywords: anxiety; body weight; depression; gestational diabetes mellitus; high-risk behavior; internet-based interventions; neonatal outcomes; pregnancy; pregnancy outcomes; premature birth; stress; systematic review.