DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A SELF-CARE AND NEED FOR HELP BASED ASSESSMENT FOR EARLY PREVENTION OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA EMERGENCIES

Abstract

Background: The rising prevalence of maternal mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) emphasizes the need for digital symptom-monitoring tools to reduce mortality risks. Object: This study assessed pregnant women’s perceptions of digital NCD symptom monitoring and its impact on lowering maternal maternity. Method: An associative cross-sectional study was conducted among 117 purposively selected pregnant women. The independent variable was digital NCD symptom monitoring, and the dependent variable was maternal mortality risk, represented by pregnancy complications and emergency admissions. Data were collected using a validated 5-point Likert questionnaire measuring usage frequency and perceived effectiveness. All indicators were valid (r > 0.361) and reliable (Cronbach’s Alpha: 0.923 for NCD perception; 0.975 for digital application). Inclusion criteria included NCD risk factors, gestational age 4–36 weeks, and smartphone literacy; exclusion was severe comorbidities. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and simple linear regression tests. Results: Strong NCD risk perception significantly correlated with app usage (β = 0.863, p < 0.001). Despite 18% reporting technical challenges, 93.2% adopted digital tools. The Adjusted R² = 0.742 indicated that NCD perception explained 74.2% of app usage variance. Regression analysis (B = 0.889, β = 0.863, p < 0.001, t = 18.303) showed that each 1-unit increase in NCD perception raised app usage perception by 0.889 units.  Conclusion: Pregnant women with higher NCD risk perceptions were significantly more likely to use digital health applications. Despite minor technical barriers, high adoption rates underscore the potential of digital monitoring to improve NCD management and reduce pregnancy complications.