Digital Education Strategies Using Quick Response (QR) Codes to Prevent Low Birth Weight Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Literature Review

Adelia; Eka Falentina Tarigan; Imran Saputra Surbakti; Selpianna br Sinambela; Dame Hotmauli Sirait

doi:10.21070/midwiferia.v12i2.1835

Authors

Adelia Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Husada Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Eka Falentina Tarigan Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Husada Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Imran Saputra Surbakti Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Husada Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Selpianna br Sinambela Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Husada Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Dame Hotmauli Sirait Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Husada Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21070/midwiferia.v12i2.1835

Keywords:

low birth weight, digital health education, health literacy, pregnant women, qr code

Abstract

Introduction: Low birth weight remains a challenge to maternal and neonatal health and is associated with modifiable maternal factors, including anemia, inadequate nutritional intake, chronic stress, and insufficient antenatal care. Digital education may strengthen maternal health literacy and promote preventive health behaviours, but its contribution to LBW prevention remains insufficiently established. Objective: This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize evidence on digital educational strategies for improving maternal health literacy, knowledge, and behaviours associated with the prevention of modifiable LBW risk factors among pregnant women, with attention to Quick Response Code-based education.

Methods: A systematic literature review with narrative synthesis was conducted following PRISMA 2020. Searches were performed in Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Of 52 identified records, 4 duplicates were removed and 48 records were screened. Following title and abstract screening, 34 full-text reports were assessed for eligibility, and all 34 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the synthesis. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Findings were synthesized thematically by comparing patterns and differences across studies.

Results: Digital educational strategies were associated with improved maternal health literacy, knowledge, antenatal care engagement, self-management, and health-related behaviours. These outcomes may contribute to reducing exposure to modifiable LBW risk factors. However, direct evidence linking QR Code-based education with reduced LBW incidence remains limited.

Conclusion: Digital education may support maternal health promotion as a complementary approach. QR Codes may provide accessible support for maternal health education, but their effectiveness in preventing LBW requires experimental evaluation.

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