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De P, Pradhan MR. Effectiveness of mobile technology and utilization of maternal and neonatal healthcare in low and middle-income countries (LMICs): a systematic review. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:664. [PMID: 38082424 PMCID: PMC10714653 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02825-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal and neonatal mortality are important indicators of the development of a nation and pose a severe health concern, especially in developing and Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Healthcare providers use various mobile technologies as tools to provide antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care and thereby promote maternal and child health. We conducted a systematic review to critically assess the existing literature on the effectiveness of mobile phone technology in maternal and neonatal healthcare (MNH) utilization, especially in LMICs in Asia and Africa. METHODS A systematic search strategy was developed, and Boolean combinations of relevant keywords were utilized to search relevant literature on three electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar) from 2012 to 2022. After assessing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 25 articles were selected for systematic review. A narrative synthesis strategy was applied to summarise the information from the included literature. RESULTS This review reveals that research and evaluation studies on mobile phone or Mobile Health (mHealth) and MNH service utilization substantially varied by research designs and methodology. Most studies found that mobile phone technology is highly appreciable in improving several MNH indicators, especially in LMICs. Despite the identified benefits of mobile technology in MNH utilization, some studies also mentioned challenges related to technology use and misuse, rich-poor discrimination, and disparity in phone ownership need to be addressed. CONCLUSION There is constantly increasing evidence of mobile counseling and the use of digital technology in the MNH care system. Public health practitioners and policymakers need to make efforts to smooth the functioning of technology-based healthcare services, considering all the issues related to the confidentiality and safety of health-related data on the Internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasenjit De
- Department of Fertility and Social Demography, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Govandi Station Road, Deonar, Mumbai, 400088, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Manas Ranjan Pradhan
- Department of Fertility and Social Demography, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Govandi Station Road, Deonar, Mumbai, 400088, Maharashtra, India
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Godana Boynito W, Tessema GY, Temesgen K, De Henauw S, Abbeddou S. Acceptability and feasibility of video-based health education for maternal and infant health in Dirashe District, South Ethiopia: A qualitative study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0000821. [PMID: 37384600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Evidence about innovative methods to facilitate nutrition education counseling and promote the intended behavior change at scale is limited. We assessed the acceptability and feasibility of a video-based health education intervention aiming to promote community care for pregnant women, mothers, and infants in the Dirashe District, Ethiopia. Using a phenomenological study design, the experiences of study participants in a trial testing the effectiveness of video-based health education on birth outcomes and nutritional status of mothers and their infants six months postpartum were assessed. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) were used to collect the data. The study was conducted in the Dirashe District, South Ethiopia. Five FGDs and 41 KII were conducted among video implementers, mothers, nurses, and health extension workers (HEWs) in eight intervention villages. All data were collected with a tape recorder. The tape-recorded data were transcribed and then translated into English. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The videos delivered messages about nine themes on health, nutrition, and hygiene related to mothers and infants. Overall, the video-based health education interventions was acceptable and feasible. Messages delivered were found to be clear, easily understandable, culturally acceptable, and relevant to the needs of the mothers. Feasibility was affected by the nature of the work, lack of help, and overlapping duties of the HEWs. The video-based health education intervention was acceptable and feasible. It was suggested that determining a common location/venue to show the videos, involving husbands, and involving HEWs could improve the intervention. Trial registration: The effectiveness "parent" study was registered as a clinical trial with the U.S. National Institute of Health (www.ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04414527). The qualitative study included recipients from the same cohort (participating mothers from the intervention group), in addition to video implementers, health extension workers the Health Development Army, and nurses from the intervention communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanzahun Godana Boynito
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Godana Yaya Tessema
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Kidus Temesgen
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Souheila Abbeddou
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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3
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Tumuhimbise W, Atwine D, Kaggwa F, Musiimenta A. Acceptability and feasibility of a mobile health application for enhancing public private mix for TB care among healthcare Workers in Southwestern Uganda. BMC DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 1:9. [PMID: 38014370 PMCID: PMC9982777 DOI: 10.1186/s44247-023-00009-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Mobile health interventions can potentially enhance public-private linkage for tuberculosis care. However, evidence about their acceptability and feasibility is lacking. This study sought to assess the initial acceptability and feasibility of a mobile health application for following up on presumptive tuberculosis patients referred from private to public hospitals. Twenty-two healthcare workers from three private hospitals and a public hospital in southwestern Uganda received the Tuuka mobile application for 1 month for testing. Testing focused on referring patients by healthcare workers from private hospitals and receiving referred patients by public healthcare workers and sending SMS reminders to the referred patients by filling out the digital referral forms inbuilt within the app. Study participants participated in qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews on the acceptability and feasibility of this app. An inductive, content analytic approach, framed by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model, was used to analyze qualitative data. Quantitative feasibility metrics and the quantitative assessment of acceptability were analyzed descriptively using STATA. Results Healthcare workers found the Tuuka application acceptable and feasible, with a mean total system usability scale score of 98 (SD 1.97). The majority believed that the app would help them make quicker medical decisions (91%), communicate with other healthcare workers (96%), facilitate partnerships with other hospitals (100%), and enhance quick TB case notification (96%). The application was perceived to be useful in reminding referred patients to adhere to referral appointments, notifying public hospital healthcare workers about the incoming referred patients, facilitating communication across facilities, and enhancing patient-based care. Conclusion The Tuuka mobile health application is acceptable and feasible for following up on referred presumptive tuberculosis patients referred from private to public hospitals in southwestern Uganda. Future efforts should focus on incorporating incentives to motivate and enable sustained use among healthcare workers. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44247-023-00009-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Daniel Atwine
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
- SOAR Research Foundation, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Fred Kaggwa
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Angella Musiimenta
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
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4
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Katusiime J, Tumuhimbise W, Rwambuka Mugyenyi G, Kobutungi P, Mugaba A, Zender R, Pinkwart N, Musiimenta A. The role of mobile health technologies in promoting COVID-19 prevention: A narrative review of intervention effectiveness and adoption. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221131146. [PMID: 36276182 PMCID: PMC9585560 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221131146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Researchers have found innovative ways of using mobile health (mHealth) technologies to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, fewer studies have been done to determine their adoption and effectiveness. Objective This review summarises the published evidence on the effect of mHealth technologies on the adoption of COVID-19 preventive measures, prevention knowledge acquisition and risk perception as well as technology adoption features for COVID-19 prevention. Methods PubMed, IEEE and Google Scholar databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022 for studies that evaluated the effect of mHealth technologies on COVID-19 preventive measures adoption, prevention knowledge acquisition and risk perception. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All the included studies were checked for quality using the mHealth evidence reporting and assessment (mERA) checklist. Results The review found out that the utilisation of mHealth interventions such as alert text messages, tracing apps and social media platforms was associated with adherence behaviour such as wearing masks, washing hands and using sanitisers, maintaining social distance and avoiding crowded places. The use of contact tracing was linked to low-risk perception as users considered themselves well informed about their status and less likely to pose transmission risks compared to non-users. Privacy and security issues, message personalisation and frequency, technical issues and trust concerns were identified as technology adoption features that influence the use of mHealth technologies for promoting COVID-19 prevention. Conclusion Utilisation of mHealth may be a feasible and effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, the small study samples and short study periods prevent generalisation of the findings and calls for larger, longitudinal studies that encompass diverse study settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Katusiime
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda,Jane Katusiime, Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Phionah Kobutungi
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Aaron Mugaba
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Raphael Zender
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Niels Pinkwart
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angella Musiimenta
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda EC, Mugaba AT, Asasira J, Katusiime J, Zender R, Pinkwart N, Mugyenyi GR, Haberer JE. A mobile health app may improve maternal and child health knowledge and practices among rural women with limited education in Uganda: a pilot randomized controlled trial. JAMIA Open 2022; 5:ooac081. [PMID: 36225894 PMCID: PMC9542753 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooac081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This article describes the impact of a mobile health app (MatHealth App) on maternal and child health knowledge and practices among women with limited education. Materials and methods Pregnant women initiating antenatal care (ANC) were randomized (1:1) to the MatHealth App versus routine care. Participants were followed until 6 weeks after delivery. Questionnaires for assessing knowledge and practices were administered to participants from both arms at baseline and endline. Using logistic regression, we estimated the difference in odds of having maternal health knowledge. We reviewed clinic records to capture maternal health practices. Results Of the 80 enrolled participants, 69 (86%) completed the study with a median follow-up of 6 months. Women in the MatHealth arm had 8.2 (P = .19), 3.6 (P = .14), and 6.4 (P = .25), respectively higher odds of knowing (1) the recommended gestation period for starting ANC, (2) the recommended number of ANC visits, and (3) the timing and frequency of recommended human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, respectively, compared to those in the routine care arm. All women in the MatHealth App arm exclusively breastfed their babies, and brought them at 6 weeks for HIV testing, compared to the routine care arm. Just over half of the women attended at least 4 prenatal visits across the 2 arms. The main reason for noncompliance to ANC appointments was a lack of transport to the clinic. Discussion and conclusion The app increased knowledge and practices although not reaching statistical significance. Future efforts can focus on addressing social and economic issues and assessing clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angella Musiimenta
- Corresponding Author: Angella Musiimenta, PhD, Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 653, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Esther C Atukunda
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Aaron T Mugaba
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda,Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Justus Asasira
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jane Katusiime
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Raphael Zender
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Niels Pinkwart
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Medicine Department, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kusyanti T, Wirakusumah FF, Rinawan FR, Muhith A, Purbasari A, Mawardi F, Puspitasari IW, Faza A, Stellata AG. Technology-Based (Mhealth) and Standard/Traditional Maternal Care for Pregnant Woman: A Systematic Literature Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10071287. [PMID: 35885813 PMCID: PMC9322765 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The world of health has changed significantly since the advent of smartphones. Smartphones have been widely known to facilitate the search for health information in the mobile Health (mHealth) system, which is used to improve the quality of life for patients, such as communication between doctors and patients. This systematic literature review aims to identify the use of mHealth as a digital communication tool for pregnant women by comparing technology-based and standard-based pregnancy care. The method used is a systematic review of articles related to pregnancy care that utilize mHealth for pregnant women. The articles were obtained from the database based on the PICO framework; we searched articles using seven databases. The selection was adjusted to the inclusion criteria, data extraction, study quality evaluation, and results from synthesis. From the disbursement, 543 articles were obtained and 10 results were obtained after the screening. After a critical appraisal was carried out, four articles were obtained. Advantages can be in the form of increasing knowledge of pregnant women who use mHealth due to the availability of information needed by pregnant women in the mHealth application. mHealth also provides information about their babies, so the impact of mHealth is not only for mothers. mHealth is a promising solution in pregnancy care compared to the standard of maternal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatik Kusyanti
- Doctoral Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia
- Department of Midwifery, Bandung Health Polytechnic, Jl. Sederhana No. 2, Bandung 40161, Indonesia
- Center of Excellence, Bandung Health Polytechnic, Jl. Pajajaran 56, Bandung 40171, Indonesia
- Correspondence:
| | - Firman Fuad Wirakusumah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Jl. Pasteur No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia
| | - Fedri Ruluwedrata Rinawan
- Center for Health System Study and Health Workforce Education Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia;
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Ir. Soekarno KM. 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
- Indonesian Society for Remote Sensing Branch, Gedung Labtek IX-C lt.3 Jalan Ganesha 10, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
| | - Abdul Muhith
- Department of Nursing Science, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama, Surabaya 60237, Indonesia;
| | - Ayi Purbasari
- Informatics Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Pasundan, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 193, Bandung 40153, Indonesia;
| | - Fitriana Mawardi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia;
| | - Indriana Widya Puspitasari
- Master of Midwifery Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia; (I.W.P.); (A.G.S.)
| | - Afina Faza
- Master of Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Eyckman No. 38 Gedung RSP Unpad Lantai 4, Bandung 40161, Indonesia;
- School of Economic and Business, Telkom University, Bandung 40257, Indonesia
| | - Alyxia Gita Stellata
- Master of Midwifery Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia; (I.W.P.); (A.G.S.)
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Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda EC, Ayebaza S, Kobutungi P, Mugaba AT, Asasira J, Mugyenyi GR, Katusiime J, Zender R, Pinkwart N, Haberer JE. Challenges in accessing maternal and child health services during COVID-19 and the potential role of social networking technologies. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221086769. [PMID: 35401999 PMCID: PMC8984853 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221086769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic causes new challenges to women and their babies who still need to access postnatal care amidst the crisis. The novel application of social network technologies (SNTs) could potentially enhance access to healthcare during this difficult time. Objectives This study describes the challenges experienced in accessing maternal and child health services by women with limited or no education during this COVID-19 pandemic and discusses the potential of SNTs to support maternal and child health amidst this crisis. Methods We administered surveys to women who had recently given birth in a rural setting and interviewed a purposively selected subset to ascertain their experiences of accessing maternal and child health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our analysis involved descriptive analysis of quantitative data using STATA 13 to describe study participants' characteristics, and content analysis of qualitative data to derive categories describing maternal health challenges. Results Among 50 women, the median age was 28 years (interquartile range 24-34), 42 (84%) completed upper primary education. Access to the health facility was constrained by transport challenges, fear of contracting COVID-19, and delays at the facility. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, 42 (84%) women missed facility visits, 46 (92%) experienced financial distress, 43 (86%) had food insecurity, and 44 (88%) felt stressed. SNTs can facilitate remote and timely access to health services and information, and enable virtual social connections and support. Conclusion SNTs have the potential to mitigate the challenges faced in accessing maternal and child health services amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angella Musiimenta
- Mbarara University of Science and
Technology, Uganda,Angels Compassion Organization, Uganda,Angella Musiimenta, Department of
Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box
653, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | | | | | | | | | - Aaron T Mugaba
- Mbarara University of Science and
Technology, Uganda,Angels Compassion Organization, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jessica E Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, USA,Massachusetts General
Hospital Center for Global Health, USA
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Sakamoto JL, Carandang RR, Kharel M, Shibanuma A, Yarotskaya E, Basargina M, Jimba M. Effects of mHealth on the psychosocial health of pregnant women and mothers: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056807. [PMID: 35168981 PMCID: PMC8852716 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the roles of mobile health, or mHealth, in the psychosocial health of pregnant women and mothers. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in databases and grey literature including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Academic Search Complete, SocINDEX, Central Register of Controlled Trials, The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Health Technology Assessment, UNICEF and WHO databases. Two searches were conducted to include original research articles published in English until 15 November 2021. Several tools were used to assess the risk of bias: revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials, Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool for cohort and cross-sectional studies, Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for qualitative studies and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for mixed-methods studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Due to the high heterogeneity and variability of the included studies, data synthesis was conducted narratively. RESULTS 44 studies were included among 11 999 identified articles. Most studies reported mixed findings on the roles of mHealth interventions in the psychosocial health of pregnant women and mothers; mHealth improved self-management, acceptance of pregnancy/motherhood and social support, while mixed results were observed for anxiety and depressive symptoms, perceived stress, mental well-being, coping and self-efficacy. Furthermore, pregnant women and mothers from vulnerable populations benefited from the use of mHealth to improve their psychosocial health. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that mHealth has the potential to improve self-management, acceptance of pregnancy/motherhood and social support. mHealth can also be a useful tool to reach vulnerable pregnant women and mothers with barriers to health information and facilitate access to healthcare services. However, the high heterogeneity limited the certainty of evidence of these findings. Therefore, future studies should identify the context under which mHealth could be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lisa Sakamoto
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rogie Royce Carandang
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Madhu Kharel
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Shibanuma
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ekaterina Yarotskaya
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I.Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Milana Basargina
- Department of Neonatal Pathology, National Medical Research Center for Children's Health, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Bäckström C, Rolfson T, Engström H, Knez R, Larsson M. Expecting parents’ perceptions of the digital parental support “childbirth journey” constructed as a serious game—an intervention study. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221097776. [PMID: 35603330 PMCID: PMC9118415 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221097776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to explore expecting parents’ perceptions of the Childbirth Journey as an intervention that includes medical information for parental support, constructed as a serious game. Methods In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were held with expecting parents in Sweden who were able to talk about specific parts of the Childbirth Journey they appreciated or found difficult to understand. A phenomenographic methodology was employed for data analysis. Results Participants perceived the Childbirth Journey to be easily accessible and customized with reliable information. The design and features of the intervention were perceived by the expecting parents to enhance the intervention’s usability, appeal, and trustworthiness. When parental couples used the Childbirth Journey together, it gave them an opportunity to discuss and better understand each other’s situation. The participants proposed several changes to the existing version of the game, mostly related to extending practical information and illustrated scenarios but also to the further development of the game’s design and animations. The participants found the Knowledge portal to be the most appealing part of the Childbirth Journey. Conclusions The Childbirth Journey intervention was concluded to be a valuable digital complement to in-person professional support, especially given the current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place in Sweden, which do not allow antenatal visits by partners. However, in its current form, the Childbirth Journey has some deficiencies and would therefore benefit from further development and exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bäckström
- Research Group Family Centered Health (FamCeH), School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Tanja Rolfson
- Regionhälsan Midwifery Unit, Västra Götalandsregionen, Sweden
| | | | - Rajna Knez
- Research Group Family Centered Health (FamCeH), School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
- Skaraborgs Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Margaretha Larsson
- Research Group Family Centered Health (FamCeH), School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
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10
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Tumuhimbise W, Musiimenta A. A review of mobile health interventions for public private mix in tuberculosis care. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100417. [PMID: 34401376 PMCID: PMC8350595 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies as emerging opportunities to closing the gaps in Tuberculosis (TB) care through enhancing Public Private Mix (PPM). However, little is known about mHealth interventions that have been used for enhancing PPM in TB care, those that worked and those that did not. OBJECTIVE This review summarizes the published evidence on the utilization and effectiveness of mHealth interventions for public private mix in TB care from literature. METHODS Google scholar, PUBMED, IEEE Xplore and ScienceDirect databases were searched for peer reviewed literature from 1st January 2003 to 31st December 2020 for studies about the mHealth interventions for public private mix in TB care. This was guided by the scoping review methodology proposed by Arksey and O' Malley. In order to assess the quality of the selected studies, mHealth evidence reporting and assessment (mERA) checklist was utilized. Studies that discussed the utilization of mHealth interventions for implementing PPM in TB care were included. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for review. RESULTS The review found out the application of mHealth in Public Private Mix in TB care through the following ways; 1) TB screening, 2) TB case notification 3) TB treatment adherence 4) data collection and management 5) patient referral and follow up, and 6) education. This resulted into high user experience, significant time reduction in data aggregation, increased case notification and referrals and proactive tracking and provision of follow up care hence reduced treatment and completion gaps. One study yielded suboptimal utilization due to the technical and operational challenges encountered by the healthcare workers. CONCLUSION Although this scoping review highlights the role of mHealth technologies in enhancing PPM in TB care, its utilization is still limited in African settings. No Africa-based study was identified by this review. Future studies should focus on assessing the utilization of mHealth for PPM in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angella Musiimenta
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
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