Effects of perinatal mobile apps for couples on psychosocial and parenting outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The transition to parenthood involves significant changes, and while mobile apps offer promising perinatal support, their impact on couples' psychosocial and parenting outcomes remains uncertain. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effects of perinatal mobile applications designed for couples on psychosocial well-being and parenting-related outcomes. To evaluate the impact of mobile apps on psychosocial and parenting outcomes during the perinatal period, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. Our study protocol was registered in PROSPERO under the identifier CRD42024578397. Searches in major databases continued through November 2024. Two reviewers independently handled data extraction and bias assessment. Meta-analyses used random-effects models, and evidence certainty was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Four RCTs (n = 3592 parents) were included. At one month postpartum, perinatal mobile applications may have little to no effect on postnatal depression (SMD: -0.00; 95% CI: -0.17 to 0.16; low certainty), state anxiety (MD: -1.50; 95% CI: -3.93 to 0.93; low certainty), and parent-to-infant bonding (MD: -0.25; 95% CI: -0.92 to 0.42; low certainty). Similarly, little to no effect was found for breastfeeding self-efficacy (MD: 0.90; 95% CI: -2.30 to 4.10; low certainty) and partner support during breastfeeding (MD: 1.10; 95% CI: -2.48 to 4.68; low certainty). The evidence was very uncertain regarding their effects on perceived parenting self-efficacy, parenting satisfaction and social support. These findings indicate that perinatal mobile applications may have limited impact on psychosocial and parenting outcomes in the early postpartum period. Further high-quality studies with longer follow-up are needed to clarify their effectiveness.