Table 1 Details of the educational program provided to the intervention arm
Item | Description |
|---|---|
1. Brief name | Perinatal education to prevent allergy in infants |
2. Why? | Although many parents are anxious regarding allergies and skin conditions in infants [47], there are few opportunities to learn about the prevention of pediatric allergies and skin conditions. Extensive information on pediatric allergy is available based on scientific evidence, and prophylaxis in pregnant women is expected to be effective to prevent allergy in infants. If pregnant women learn how to prevent pediatric allergy based on scientific evidence and apply these principles to childcare, this can promote the establishment of a prophylactic strategy against allergy in infants |
3. What materials? | Educational materials for the program were prepared using PowerPoint. A handbook with illustrations and photographs reviewed by a specialist is provided to mothers to educate them about proper skin care for infants and the optimal diet during pregnancy and lactation |
4. What procedures? | A session planned during early and late pregnancy consists of the following: ➢ Program in Early pregnancy Title: What you can do for your baby Subtitle: Advice from pediatric allergy specialists Intestinal mucosa ✓ Effect of the maternal intestinal bacterial flora on the fetus ✓ A diet that includes nutrients (oligosaccharides, dietary fiber, and fermented food) is ideal for pregnant women to regulate for healthy intestinal bacterial flora ✓ Effect of vitamin D and a diet that includes vitamin D ✓ Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and a diet that includes this acid Skin ✓ Association between the skin of infants and sensitization to allergens ✓ Adequate exposure to ultraviolet light Respiratory tract mucosa ✓ Effect of smoking on pediatric bronchial asthma ➢ Program in Late pregnancy Title: What you want to know for your baby? Subtitle: Advice from specialists on pediatric allergy: “Three barriers protecting our body” Intestinal mucosa (the same content as in Program in Early pregnancy) Skin ✓ Association between the skin of infants and sensitization to allergens ✓ Differences between the skin of infants and that of adults ✓ Prevention of allergic dermatitis and proper skin care starting at the neonatal period ✓ Proper skin care for neonates (how to wash and moisturize the skin) ✓ Proper exposure to air Respiratory tract mucosa ✓ Effect of smoking on pediatric bronchial asthma ✓ Risk of exposure of infants to allergens in the living environment, in particular in bedclothes ✓ Cleaning bedclothes and the living areas of infants |
5. Who provides? | Specialist or educator of pediatric allergy |
6. How? | Face-to-face group learning |
7. Where? | Chiba Aiyu-kai Kinen Hospital where pregnant women are planning to give birth |
8. When? | Two 90-min sessions (at approximately 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy) |
9. Tailoring | Not individualized |
10. Modifications | Any changes occurring during the study period need to be reported |
11. How well? | Plan: To promote adherence to the recommended skin care practices among subjects participating in the educational program. A moisturizer is provided free of charge to those who want to use it |
12. How well? | Practice: Strategies to promote adherence to skin care practices will be reported in a paper |