Empowering health literacy in mothers of premature infants during the post-discharge period: a qualitative comparison of nurses’ and mothers’ perspectives through digital health platforms

Abstract

Introduction/objective: Premature infants require complex care following hospital discharge, placing a high demand on the health literacy of mothers. The use of digital health platforms provides innovative solutions for managing post-discharge care. However, mothers’ and nurses’ perspectives about the role of digital literacy in fostering caregiving confidence and informed decision-making may differ. This study aimed to qualitatively compare the views of mothers and neonatal nurses regarding the empowerment of health literacy through digital health platforms following the discharge of premature infants. Methods: This qualitative research employed a conventional content analysis approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 mothers of premature infants, and 15 neonatal nurses at three hospitals (Imam Hossein, Shahid Beheshti, Alzahra) in Isfahan, Iran, between February and July 2025. Purposeful sampling continued until data saturation was reached. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using MAXQDA based on Graneheim and Lundman’s method. Strategies such as triangulation, audit trails, and member checking were used to ensure rigor. Results: Analysis identified three main themes: (1) Navigating digital information accessibility, trustworthiness, and usability challenges; (2) Digital platforms as sources of emotional and practical support; and (3) Divergent perceptions of digital literacy’s impact on caregiving confidence. Mothers valued peer support and access to varied information but faced difficulties interpreting some medical content. Nurses emphasized providing evidence-based digital resources, complemented by face-to-face education. The findings showed both convergences and divergences between mothers’ and nurses’ perspectives, underscoring the need for co-designed, culturally appropriate digital interventions. Conclusion: Digital health platforms may enhance health literacy in mothers of premature infants during the post-discharge phase. The findings suggest that co-designed interventions integrating digital and interpersonal support may help bridge the gap between mothers’ needs and nurses’ expectations, thereby facilitating informed decision-making. © The Author(s) 2025.