OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the use of mobile applications about pregnancy, birth, and child care among pregnant women and to review the characteristics, contents, and credibility of the applications used by these women. METHODS: This study was cross-sectional and was conducted using a survey method. One hundred and ninety-three pregnant women participated in this study. The questionnaire was developed to examine the pattern and reasons for pregnancy-related application usage. The 47 mobile apps used by participants were reviewed and categorized based on functions and developers. The credibility of the information provided by the mobile applications was evaluated using a structured measurement. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of the participants were using mobile apps related to pregnancy, birth, and/or child care. First-time mothers used the apps significantly more often than women who were pregnant for the second time. Women who had used a smartphone for a longer period of time were more likely to use apps related to pregnancy, birth, and/or child care. The most frequently-used information concerned signs of risk and disease during pregnancy. Experts' quick opinions and Q&A formats related to diet and medication administration during pregnancy were the women's most cited need for content in applications. Information was the most common function of the apps. In the evaluation of information credibility, the 'information source' category had the lowest score. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that applications related to pregnancy, birth, and child care have become an important information source for pregnant women. To fulfill the needs of users, credible applications related to pregnancy, birth, and child care should be developed and managed by qualified healthcare professionals.
Child Care* ; Child* ; Delivery of Health Care ; Diet ; Female ; Humans ; Mobile Applications* ; Mothers ; Parturition* ; Pregnancy* ; Pregnant Women ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objectives: This study identified the association between excessive exposure to screen media and behavioral and emotional problems in elementary school students. Methods: A total of 331 parents of children aged 7–10 years were recruited from “The Kids Cohort for Understanding of Internet Addiction Risk Factors in Early Childhood (K-CURE)” study. Children’s demographics, household media ownership, screen time, and behavioral/emotional problems were assessed using a parental questionnaire. Children’s behavior/emotional problems were measured using the Korean version the of Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL) score. Results: The total K-CBCL score in the screen overuse group was 51.18±9.55, significantly higher than 47.28±10.09 in the control group (t=2.14, p=0.05). For each subscale, the externalization score (51.65±10.14, 48.33±8.97, respectively; t=2.02, p<0.05), social problem score (55.41±6.11, 53.24±5.19, respectively; t=2.27, p<0.05), and rule breaking behavior score (55.71±6.11, 53.24±5.19, respectively; t=2.27, p<0.05) were significantly higher in the screen overuse group than in the control group. In addition, the screen overuse group also had a significantly higher usage rate than the control group, even if limited to smartphones, not only on weekdays (3.56±2.08, 1.87±2.02, respectively; t=-4.597, p<0.001) but also weekends (1.62±0.74, 1.19±0.83, respectively; t=-3.14, p=0.003). Conclusion The study suggested that screen media overuse patterns in children in Korea are particularly relevant to the excessive use of smartphones and are related to higher risks of emotional and behavioral problems.

Objectives: This study identified the association between excessive exposure to screen media and behavioral and emotional problems in elementary school students. Methods: A total of 331 parents of children aged 7–10 years were recruited from “The Kids Cohort for Understanding of Internet Addiction Risk Factors in Early Childhood (K-CURE)” study. Children’s demographics, household media ownership, screen time, and behavioral/emotional problems were assessed using a parental questionnaire. Children’s behavior/emotional problems were measured using the Korean version the of Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL) score. Results: The total K-CBCL score in the screen overuse group was 51.18±9.55, significantly higher than 47.28±10.09 in the control group (t=2.14, p=0.05). For each subscale, the externalization score (51.65±10.14, 48.33±8.97, respectively; t=2.02, p<0.05), social problem score (55.41±6.11, 53.24±5.19, respectively; t=2.27, p<0.05), and rule breaking behavior score (55.71±6.11, 53.24±5.19, respectively; t=2.27, p<0.05) were significantly higher in the screen overuse group than in the control group. In addition, the screen overuse group also had a significantly higher usage rate than the control group, even if limited to smartphones, not only on weekdays (3.56±2.08, 1.87±2.02, respectively; t=-4.597, p<0.001) but also weekends (1.62±0.74, 1.19±0.83, respectively; t=-3.14, p=0.003). Conclusion The study suggested that screen media overuse patterns in children in Korea are particularly relevant to the excessive use of smartphones and are related to higher risks of emotional and behavioral problems.