Effect of smartphone application ­assisted nursing intervention on breastfeeding self­ efficacy of postpartum women with multiple sclerosis

Objective. This study aimed to study the effect of mobile application‑assisted nursing intervention on exclusive breastfeeding‑
self ef icacy of postpartum multiple sclerosis women.. Materials and Methods: The researchers utilized a quasi‑experimental
research design (case‑control). The study was conducted at the maternal and child health centers (MCH) at Shebin El‑Kom,
Menou ia Governorate, Egypt. A purposive sample of 50 multiple sclerosis postpartum women was the target population of the
present study. Three instruments were used for data collection. A structured interviewing questionnaire, breastfeeding self‑
ef icacy scale and relation between breastfeeding and postpartum multiple sclerosis relapse questionnaire. Results and
discussion: There was a statistically signi icant difference between both groups regarding self‑management during postpartum
period. The improvements were related to mothers’ relationships with their health care providers and knowledge and
information about multiple sclerosis during this transitional phase, which indicated that the nursing intervention had positive
effect on postpartum women with multiple sclerosis. Conclusion: Postpartum women with multiple sclerosis have a satisfactory
level of breastfeeding self‑ef icacy after mobile application‑assisted nursing intervention. Hence conducting a multidisciplinary
program to monitor and support mothers with MS improves self‑management during the postpartum period.