Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to describe couples' experiences and perceived barriers to participation in the CenteringPregnancy model in southeast of China and to understand whether smartphones could play a potential role in this model. DESIGN: This study employed a descriptive phenomenological qualitative study using semistructured dyadic interviews with women and their partners. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. SETTING: This study was conducted in two pilot prenatal clinics in southern China. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive sample of 13 couples who underwent smartphone-assisted CenteringPregnancy were recruited. Data were collected until saturation through semistructured dyadic interviews between December 2022 and March 2023. RESULTS: The study yielded four primary themes: (1) motivation for participation, (2) acceptance of CenteringPregnancy, (3) barriers and suggestions and (4) support for smartphone use of CenteringPregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: CenteringPregnancy was well received by couples. Couples can access additional medical care and engage in intensive social interactions assisted by smartphones. However, certain objective challenges need to be acknowledged, including inadequate activity space, high demand for knowledge by couples and inflexible time for employed partners. Moreover, the risk that smartphones can lead to false expectations among couples needs to be noted.