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Knop MR, Nagashima-Hayashi M, Lin R, Saing CH, Ung M, Oy S, Yam ELY, Zahari M, Yi S. Impact of mHealth interventions on maternal, newborn, and child health from conception to 24 months postpartum in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMC Med 2024; 22:196. [PMID: 38750486 PMCID: PMC11095039 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03417-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have been harnessed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to address the intricate challenges confronting maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH). This review aspires to scrutinize the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on MNCH outcomes during the pivotal first 1000 days of life, encompassing the period from conception through pregnancy, childbirth, and post-delivery, up to the age of 2 years. METHODS A comprehensive search was systematically conducted in May 2022 across databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL), Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Trip Pro, to unearth peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2022. The inclusion criteria consisted of (i) mHealth interventions directed at MNCH; (ii) study designs, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), RCT variations, quasi-experimental designs, controlled before-and-after studies, or interrupted time series studies); (iii) reports of outcomes pertinent to the first 1000 days concept; and (iv) inclusion of participants from LMICs. Each study was screened for quality in alignment with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Joanne Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. The included articles were then analyzed and categorized into 12 mHealth functions and outcome domain categories (antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care), followed by forest plot comparisons of effect measures. RESULTS From the initial pool of 7119 articles, we included 131 in this review, comprising 56 RCTs, 38 cluster-RCTs, and 37 quasi-experimental studies. Notably, 62% of these articles exhibited a moderate or high risk of bias. Promisingly, mHealth strategies, such as dispatching text message reminders to women and equipping healthcare providers with digital planning and scheduling tools, exhibited the capacity to augment antenatal clinic attendance and enhance the punctuality of child immunization. However, findings regarding facility-based delivery, child immunization attendance, and infant feeding practices were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that mHealth interventions can improve antenatal care attendance and child immunization timeliness in LMICs. However, their impact on facility-based delivery and infant feeding practices varies. Nevertheless, the potential of mHealth to enhance MNCH services in resource-limited settings is promising. More context-specific implementation studies with rigorous evaluations are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Ravn Knop
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michiko Nagashima-Hayashi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ruixi Lin
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chan Hang Saing
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mengieng Ung
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sreymom Oy
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Esabelle Lo Yan Yam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marina Zahari
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siyan Yi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA.
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Lian X, Tan M, Zeng H, Ye H. Study on the effect of cartoon video education before orbital operation. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2024; 70:112-114. [PMID: 37232146 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.23.03441-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiufen Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meimiao Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiqi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China -
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Gilano G, Dekker A, Fijten R. The role of mHealth intervention to improve maternal and child health: A provider-based qualitative study in Southern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295539. [PMID: 38329947 PMCID: PMC10852240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal and child mortality remained higher in developing regions such as Southern Ethiopia due to poor maternal and child health. Technologies such as mobile applications in health may be an opportunity to reduce maternal and child mortality because they can improve access to information. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to explore the role of mHealth in improving maternal and child health in Southern Ethiopia. METHODS This study employed a qualitative study design to explore the role of mHealth in improving maternal and child health among health professionals in Southern Ethiopia from December 2022 to March 2023. We conducted nine in-depth interviews, six key informants' in-depth interviews, and four focused group discussions among health professionals. This is followed by thematic analyses to synthesize the collected evidence. RESULTS The results are based on 226 quotations, 5 major themes, and 24 subthemes. The study participants discussed the possible acceptance of mHealth in terms of its fitness in the existing health system, its support to health professionals, and its importance in improving maternal and child health. The participants ascertained the importance of awareness creation before the implementation of mHealth among women, families, communities, and providers. They reported the importance of mHealth for mothers and health professionals and the effectiveness of mHealth services. The participants stated that the main challenges related to acceptance, awareness, negligence, readiness, and workload. However, they also suggested strategic solutions such as using family support, provider support, mothers' forums, and community forums. CONCLUSION The evidence generated during this analysis is important information for program implementations and can inform policy-making. The planned intervention needs to introduce mHealth in Southern Ethiopia. Planners, decision-makers, and researchers can use it in mobile technology-related interventions. For challenges identified, we recommend solution-identified-based interventions and quality studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girma Gilano
- Department of Public Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Andre Dekker
- Department of Radiation Oncology [Maastro], GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Fijten
- Department of Radiation Oncology [Maastro], GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Kachimanga C, Mulwafu M, Ndambo MK, Harare J, Murkherjee J, Kulinkina AV, Mbae S, Ndarama E, van den Akker T, Abejirinde IOO. Experiences of community health workers on adopting mHealth in rural Malawi: A qualitative study. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241253994. [PMID: 38757088 PMCID: PMC11097726 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241253994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The use of mobile health technology (mHealth) by community health workers (CHWs) can strengthen community-based service delivery and improve access to and quality of healthcare. Objective This qualitative study sought to explore experiences and identify factors influencing the use of an integrated smartphone-based mHealth called YendaNafe by CHWs in rural Malawi. Methods Using pre-tested interview guides, between August and October 2022, we conducted eight focus group discussions with CHWs (n = 69), four in-depth interviews with CHW supervisors, and eight key informant interviews in Neno District, Malawi. We audio-recorded and transcribed the interviews verbatim and organized them for analysis in Dedoose V9.0.62. We used an inductive analysis technique to analyze the data. We further applied the six domains of the socio-technical system (STS) framework to map factors influencing the use of YendaNafe. Results User experiences and facilitators and barriers were the two main themes that emerged. mHealth was reported to improve the task efficiency, competence, trust, and perceived professionalism of CHWs. CHWs less frequently referred to cultural factors influencing app uptake. However, for other social systems, they identified relationships and trust with stakeholders, availability of training and programmatic support, and performance monitoring and feedback as influencing the use of YendaNafe. From the STS technical domain, the availability and adequacy of hardware such as phones, mobile connectivity, and usability influenced the use of YendaNafe. Conclusions Despite the initial discomfort, CHWs found mHealth helpful in supporting their service delivery tasks. Identifying and addressing social and technical factors during mHealth implementation may help improve end users' attitudes and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyembekezo Kachimanga
- Partners In Health, Neno, Malawi
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexandra V Kulinkina
- Partners In Health, Neno, Malawi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Ibukun- Oluwa Omolade Abejirinde
- Women College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontorio, Canada
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Gilano G, Sako S, Dileba T, Dekker A, Fijten R. Assessing the effect of mHealth on child feeding practice in African countries: systematic and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2023; 42:138. [PMID: 38066659 PMCID: PMC10704613 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00487-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poor child feeding practice is a public health problem in Africa. Mobile health (mHealth) is a supportive intervention to improve this problem; however, the evidence available in the current literature is inconsistent and inconclusive in Africa. Some studies state that exclusive breastfeeding is not different between controls and mHealth interventions in the first month. Other studies state that health providers need additional training for the success of mHealth interventions. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide the summarized effect of mHealth on child-feeding practices in Africa to improve future planning and decisions. METHOD We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the published and unpublished evidence gathered from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases between January 1, 2000, and March 1, 2022. Studies included were randomized control trials and experimental studies that compared mHealth to standards of care among postpartum women. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines followed for the reporting. RESULTS After screening 1188 studies, we identified six studies that fulfilled the study criteria. These studies had 2913 participants with the number of total intervention groups 1627 [1627/2913 = 56%]. Five studies were completed within 24 weeks while one required 12 weeks. We included two RCTs, two cluster RCTs, and two quasi-experimental studies all used mHealth as the major intervention and usual care as controls. We found significant improvement in child-feeding practices among intervention groups. CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the application of mHealth improved child-feeding practices in Africa. Although the finding is compelling, the authors recommend high-quality studies and mHealth interventions that consider sample size, design, regional differences, and environmental constraints to enhance policy decisions. The place of residence, access, low socioeconomic development, poor socio-demographic characteristics, low women empowerment, and low women's education might cause high heterogeneity in the included regions and need consideration during interventions. REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO: CRD42022346950.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girma Gilano
- Department of Public Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, P.O Box: 21, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
| | - Sewunet Sako
- Department of Public Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, P.O Box: 21, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Dileba
- Department of Public Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, P.O Box: 21, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Andre Dekker
- Department of Radiation Oncology [Maastro], GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Mastro Clinic, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Fijten
- Department of Radiation Oncology [Maastro], GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Mastro Clinic, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Dalal R, Fancy MK, Chaudhary S, Abraham M, Vir SC, Gaurav S. Establishment of cross-cradle hold technique combined with intensive breastfeeding counselling positively impacts the weight gain rate in early infancy. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023; 19:e13529. [PMID: 37189283 PMCID: PMC10483946 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A quasiexperimental field study was undertaken in 576 exclusively breastfed (EBF) infants from 0 to 14 weeks in Gujarat, India to assess the effect of the use of appropriate breastfeeding techniques on daily weight gain rate and on reducing the underweight rate in early infancy. The interventions were delivered through the existing health system and focused primarily on counselling pregnant women during antenatal and post-natal sessions for ensuring 'effective breastfeeding' by adoption of the technique of 'cross cradle hold', appropriate breast attachment, emptying of one breast before shifting to the other along with conducting regular monitoring of infant's weight. The intervention care group (ICG) of 300 EBF infants were compared with 276 EBF infants in the control standard care group (SCG). The findings revealed that median weight gain per day between 0 and 14 weeks was significantly higher (p = 0.000) in ICG (32.7 g) as compared with SCG (28.05 g). The median weight-for-age Z at 14 weeks of age was also significantly higher in ICG compared with SCG (p = 0.000). Underweight prevalence was three times lower in ICG (5.3%) compared with SCG (16.7%) at 14 weeks of age. Infants in the ICG were noted to be 2.65-fold more likely to achieve a weight gain of 30 g or more per day compared with infants in SCG. Nutrition interventions, therefore, must aim not only on mere promotion of EBF for up to 6 months but stress on ensuring EBF is 'effective' for optimum transfer of breastmilk through adoption of appropriate techniques, including cross-cradle hold, by mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupal Dalal
- Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural AreasIndian Institute of Technology‐Bombay & Shrimati Malati Dahanukar TrustMumbaiMaharashtraIndia
| | | | - Shalu Chaudhary
- UNICEF & State Health System Resource CentreGandhinagarGujaratIndia
| | - Marian Abraham
- Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural AreasIndian Institute of Technology‐BombayMumbaiIndia
| | - Sheila C. Vir
- Public Health Nutrition and Development CentreNew DelhiIndia
| | - Sarthak Gaurav
- Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology‐BombayMumbaiIndia
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Reñosa MDC, Wachinger J, Guevarra JR, Landicho-Guevarra J, Aligato MF, Endoma V, Landicho J, Bravo TA, Malacad C, Demonteverde MP, Silvestre C, Bärnighausen K, Bärnighausen T, Chase RP, McMahon SA. Human-centred design bolsters vaccine confidence in the Philippines: results of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012613. [PMID: 37865401 PMCID: PMC10603469 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public's confidence in vaccinations has eroded, and anti-vaccination movements have gained traction around the world, including in the Philippines. 'Salubong', a Filipino term, refers to welcoming someone back into one's life and elicits ideas about friendship and family relationships. We extended this concept to vaccines in efforts to design an intervention that would re-welcome vaccines into homes. METHODS Using human-centred design, we developed and refined a story-based intervention that engages Filipino families, community leaders and community health workers. We conducted a randomised controlled trial among 719 caregivers of small children to test the developed intervention against a control video. We assessed the binary improvement (improvement vs no improvement) and the amount of improvement in vaccine attitudes and intentions after intervention exposure. RESULTS Although the intervention group began with marginally higher baseline vaccine attitude scores, we found that 62% of the intervention group improved their vaccine attitude scores versus 37% of the control group (Fisher's exact, p<0.001). Among individuals whose scores improved after watching the assigned video, the intervention group saw higher mean attitude score improvements on the 5-point scale (Cohen's d=0.32 with 95% CI 0.10 to 0.54, two-sided t-test, p<0.01). We observed similar patterns among participants who stated that they had previously delayed or refused a vaccine for their child: 67% of 74 in the intervention group improved their vaccine attitude scores versus 42% of 54 in the control group (Fisher's exact, p<0.001). Among the subset of these individuals whose scores improved after watching the assigned video, the intervention group saw higher mean attitude score improvements on the 5-point scale that were marginally significant (Cohen's d=0.35 with 95% CI -0.01 to 0.70, two-sided t-test, p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS Our results provide solid evidence for the potential of co-designed vaccine confidence campaigns and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Donald C Reñosa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Jonas Wachinger
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jerric Rhazel Guevarra
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Jhoys Landicho-Guevarra
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Mila F Aligato
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Vivienne Endoma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Jeniffer Landicho
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Thea Andrea Bravo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Carol Malacad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Maria Paz Demonteverde
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Catherine Silvestre
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Department of Health, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Kate Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rachel P Chase
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- International Health Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Gayesa RT, Ngai FW, Xie YJ. The effects of mHealth interventions on improving institutional delivery and uptake of postnatal care services in low-and lower-middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:611. [PMID: 37296420 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09581-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal mortality due to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum is a global challenge. Particularly, in low-and lower-income countries, the outcomes of these complications are quite substantial. In recent years, studies exploring the effect of mobile health on the improvement of maternal health are increasing. However, the effect of this intervention on the improvement of institutional delivery and postnatal care utilization was not well analyzed systematically, particularly in low and lower-middle-income countries. OBJECTIVE The main aim of this review was to assess the effect of mobile heath (mHealth) interventions on improving institutional delivery, postnatal care service uptake, knowledge of obstetric danger signs, and exclusive breastfeeding among women of low and lower-middle-income countries. METHODS Common electronic databases like PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Google scholar, and gray literature search engines like Google were used to search relevant articles. Articles that used interventional study designs and were conducted in low and lower-middle-income countries were included. Sixteen articles were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. Cochrane's risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of included articles. RESULTS The overall outcome of the systematic review and meta-analysis showed that MHealth intervention has a positive significant effect in improving the institutional delivery (OR = 2.21 (95%CI: 1.69-2.89), postnatal care utilization (OR = 4.13 (95%CI: 1.90-8.97), and exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 2.25, (95%CI: 1.46-3.46). The intervention has also shown a positive effect in increasing the knowledge of obstetric danger signs. The subgroup analysis based on the intervention characteristics showed that there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups based on the intervention characteristics for institutional delivery (P = 0.18) and postnatal care utilizations (P = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS The study has found out that mHealth intervention has a significant effect on improving facility delivery, postnatal care utilization, rate of exclusive breastfeeding, and knowledge of danger signs. There were also findings that reported contrary to the overall outcome which necessitates conducting further studies to enhance the generalizability of the effect of mHealth interventions on these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reta Tsegaye Gayesa
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong S.A.R, China.
- Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
| | - Fei Wan Ngai
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong S.A.R, China
| | - Yao Jie Xie
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong S.A.R, China
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Greuel M, Sy F, Bärnighausen T, Adam M, Vandormael A, Gates J, Harling G. Community Health Worker Use of Smart Devices for Health Promotion: Scoping Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e42023. [PMID: 36811947 PMCID: PMC9996418 DOI: 10.2196/42023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health workers (CHWs) have become essential to the promotion of healthy behaviors, yet their work is complicated by challenges both within and beyond their control. These challenges include resistance to the change of existing behaviors, disbelief of health messages, limited community health literacy, insufficient CHW communication skills and knowledge, lack of community interest and respect for CHWs, and CHWs' lack of adequate supplies. The rising penetration of "smart" technology (eg, smartphones and tablets) in low- and middle-income countries facilitates the use of portable electronic devices in the field. OBJECTIVE This scoping review examines to what extent mobile health in the form of smart devices may enhance the delivery of public health messages in CHW-client interactions, thereby addressing the aforementioned challenges and inducing client behavior change. METHODS We conducted a structured search of the PubMed and LILACS databases using subject heading terms in 4 categories: technology user, technology device, use of technology, and outcome. Eligibility criteria included publication since January 2007, CHWs delivering a health message aided by a smart device, and face-to-face communication between CHWs and clients. Eligible studies were analyzed qualitatively using a modified version of the Partners in Health conceptual framework. RESULTS We identified 12 eligible studies, 10 (83%) of which used qualitative or mixed methods approaches. We found that smart devices mitigate challenges encountered by CHWs by improving their knowledge, motivation, and creativity (eg, through self-made videos); their status within the community; and the credibility of their health messages. The technology stimulated interest in both CHWs and clients-and sometimes even in bystanders and neighbors. Media content produced locally or reflecting local customs was strongly embraced. Yet, the effect of smart devices on the quality of CHW-client interactions was inconclusive. Interactions suffered as CHWs were tempted to replace educational conversations with clients by passively watching video content. Furthermore, a series of technical difficulties experienced especially by older and less educated CHWs compromised some of the advantages brought about by mobile devices. Adequate CHW training ameliorated these difficulties. Only 1 study (8%) considered client health behavior change as an end point, thus revealing a major research gap. CONCLUSIONS Smart mobile devices may augment CHWs' field performance and enhance face-to-face interactions with clients, yet they also generate new challenges. The available evidence is scarce, mostly qualitative, and focused on a limited range of health outcomes. Future research should include larger-scale interventions across a wide range of health outcomes and feature client health behavior change as an end point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Greuel
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frithjof Sy
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maya Adam
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alain Vandormael
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gates
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Guy Harling
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Epidemiology and Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States.,Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Holst C, Stelzle D, Diep LM, Sukums F, Ngowi B, Noll J, Winkler AS. Improving Health Knowledge Through Provision of Free Digital Health Education to Rural Communities in Iringa, Tanzania: Nonrandomized Intervention Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e37666. [PMID: 35900820 PMCID: PMC9377432 DOI: 10.2196/37666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health education is one of the most effective measures to increase health literacy worldwide and can contribute to the achievement of specific targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 3. Digitalized health education materials can improve health knowledge as a dimension of health literacy and play an important role in disease prevention in rural sub-Saharan settings. OBJECTIVE The objective of this research is to assess the effect of a digital health education intervention on the uptake and retention of knowledge related to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and Taenia solium (neuro)cysticercosis and taeniosis in rural communities in Iringa, Tanzania. METHODS We conducted a nonrandomized intervention study of participants aged 15 to 45 years, randomly selected from 4 villages in Iringa, Tanzania. The intervention consisted of 2 parts. After the baseline assessment, we showed the participants 3 animated health videos on a tablet computer. After a period of 6 months, free access to community information spots (InfoSpots) with an integrated digital health education platform was provided to the intervention villages. Participants in the control group did not receive the intervention. The primary outcome was the difference in disease knowledge between the intervention and control groups, 12 months after baseline. Data were collected using an open-ended questionnaire, with correct or incorrect answers before and after intervention. RESULTS Between April and May 2019, a total of 600 participants were recruited into the intervention (n=298, 49.7%) or control (n=302, 50.3%) groups. At baseline, no statistically significant differences in knowledge of the target diseases were observed. At 12 months after intervention, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, TB, and T. solium (neuro)cysticercosis and taeniosis was 10.2% (95% CI 5.0%-15.4%), 12% (95% CI 7.7%-16.2%), and 31.5% (95% CI 26.8%-36.2%) higher in the intervention group than in the control group, respectively. In all 4 domains (transmission, symptoms, treatment, and prevention), an increase in knowledge was observed in all the 3 diseases, albeit to varying degrees. The results were adjusted for potential confounders, and the significance of the primary results was maintained in the sensitivity analysis to assess dropouts. The participants who reported using the InfoSpots in the 12-month assessment further increased their knowledge about the target diseases by 6.8% (HIV/AIDS), 7.5% (TB), and 13.9% higher mean proportion of correct answers compared with the participants who did not use the InfoSpots. CONCLUSIONS Digital health education based on animated health videos and the use of free InfoSpots has significant potential to improve health knowledge, especially in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03808597; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03808597. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/25128.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Holst
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominik Stelzle
- Center for Global Health, Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lien My Diep
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Felix Sukums
- Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Bernard Ngowi
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.,Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Josef Noll
- Basic Internet Foundation, Kjeller, Norway.,Department of Technology Systems, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andrea Sylvia Winkler
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Center for Global Health, Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Adam M, Job N, Mabaso B, Bärnighausen T, Kuhnert KL, Johnston J, Mqungwana N, Le Roux I, Mbewu N, Gates J, Scott K, Vandormael A, Greuel M, Prober C, McMahon SA. "The Videos Gave Weight to Our Work": Animated mHealth Videos and Tablet Technology Boost Community Health Workers' Perceived Credibility in Khayelitsha, South Africa. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1273-1284. [PMID: 35674176 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221091504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are increasingly used to support community health workers (CHWs) in low-and middle-income countries. As near-peers within their communities, the credibility of CHWs is sometimes questioned-a recognized barrier to their efficacy. Nested within a large, randomized-controlled trial, this qualitative study captured the experiences of South African CHWs, called "Mentor-Mothers," using tablets and animated videos to promote exclusive breastfeeding. We conducted in-depth telephone interviews with 26 tablet-carrying Mentor-Mothers. We analyzed interview transcripts using a Grounded Theory approach, then developed a theoretical framework, based on an emerging theme, for understanding how tablet technology boosts the perceived credibility of CHWs. Tablet-carrying Mentor-Mothers described an increase in their perceived credibility, which they attributed to overt and signaling effects related to enhanced credibility of (1) their messages, (2) themselves as messengers, and (3) the program employing them. Mobile technology investments in CHWs could enhance their credibility, translating into meaningful investments in the health of under-served communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Adam
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nophiwe Job
- Digital Medic South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bongekile Mabaso
- School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wellcome Trust's Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Ingrid Le Roux
- The Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Khayelitsha, South Africa
| | - Nokwanele Mbewu
- The Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Khayelitsha, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Gates
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kerry Scott
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alain Vandormael
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Merlin Greuel
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charles Prober
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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Le Port A, Seye M, Heckert J, Peterman A, Nganya Tchamwa A, Dione M, Fall AS, Hidrobo M. A community edutainment intervention for gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and maternal and child health in rural Senegal: a process evaluation. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1165. [PMID: 35689180 PMCID: PMC9185706 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13570-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Edutainment aims to spread educational messages in an entertaining way, and often reaches large audiences. While studies increasingly report the impacts of edutainment interventions, there is limited context-specific evidence on the underlying processes and barriers to effective delivery, especially in rural areas. This article presents results from a process evaluation of a community-based edutainment intervention designed to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices on gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and maternal and child health. The intervention focused on the television series, C’est la Vie!, screened through biweekly film clubs in rural Senegal and included post-screening discussions and thematic workshops, meant to reinforce messages, increase knowledge, and change social norms. The objectives of this study were to assess intervention adaptation, implementation fidelity, participants’ responsiveness or engagement, and series appropriateness. Methods The intervention was implemented from December 2019 to March 2020 in 120 villages in Kaolack and Kolda regions of Senegal, and targeted adolescent girls and young women aged 14 to 34. The process evaluation was carried out in March 2020 in 14 villages using: i) individual semi-structured interviews with implementers (n = 3), village chiefs (n = 8), married women (n = 9), adolescent girls (n = 8), and men (n = 8); ii) focus groups with men (n = 7, 29 participants) and women (n = 10, 100 participants); and iii) observations of screening sessions (n = 4) and post-screening discussions (n = 2). Data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis. Results The results highlight that adaptation of the intervention helped reach the target population and improved participant attendance, but might have compromised fidelity to original design, as intervention components were shortened and modified for rural delivery and some facilitators made ad hoc modifications. The screenings coverage and frequency were adequate; however, their duration was shortened due to COVID-19 restrictions in Senegal. Participant responsiveness was excellent, as was the series appropriateness for most topics, including GBV. SRH remains a sensitive topic for youth, especially when the film clubs included non-peers, such as slightly older women. Conclusions This study showed that using film clubs to deliver sensitive edutainment content in rural areas is feasible and has potential for scale-up. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13570-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Le Port
- Montpellier Interdisciplinary center on Sustainable Agri-food systems (MoISA), University of Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France.
| | - Moustapha Seye
- Laboratoire des Transformations Économiques et Sociales - Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire- Ch.A. Diop, University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Jessica Heckert
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Amber Peterman
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Annick Nganya Tchamwa
- Laboratoire des Transformations Économiques et Sociales - Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire- Ch.A. Diop, University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Malick Dione
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Abdou Salam Fall
- Laboratoire des Transformations Économiques et Sociales - Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire- Ch.A. Diop, University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Melissa Hidrobo
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Dakar, Senegal
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