mHealth-Based Health Promotion Intervention to Improve Use of Maternity Care Services Among Women in Rural Southwestern Uganda: Iterative Development Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.29214
• Publication Date: 2021-04-09T20:34:00Z
• Authors: Esther Cathyln At...; Lynn T Matthews; Angella Musiimenta; Godfrey Rwambuka ...; Samuel Mugisha; Norma C Ware; Celestino Obua; Mark J Siedner
• Keywords: mHealth; Attendance

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Antenatal care (ANC) prevents perinatal morbidity and mortality, but use of these services in Uganda remains low maternal mortality rates are among the highest world. There is growing evidence that mobile health (mHealth) approaches improve timely communication health-related information produce positive behavior change as well outcomes. However, there limited data to guide development such interventions settings where ANC attendance uptake skilled maternity low. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> The aim this study develop a novel patient-centered mHealth intervention encourage support women Mbarara district, southwestern Uganda. <title>METHODS</title> Using an iterative approach, we conducted formative stakeholder interviews with 30 5 providers (HCPs) identify preferred key topics characterize messaging intervention; developed content for SMS text audio help 4 medical experts based on identified topics; designed app prototype through partnership company; pilot-tested sought user experiences feedback refine 3 sets interviews, focus group discussion, cognitive interviews. Qualitative were coded analyzed using NVivo (version 12.0; QSR International). <title>RESULTS</title> Of 75 who completed during prototype, 39 (52%) had at least primary education (100%) access phone. 20 topics, ranging from native medicine comorbid disorders danger signs pregnancy. In all, 6 additional by interviewed HCPs, including birth preparedness, delivery, male partner’s involvement, HCP interaction, immunization, caring baby. Positive without authoritative tones was characterized women. postpilot discussion revealed preference customized messaging, reflecting individual need be &lt;i&gt;included&lt;/i&gt; &lt;i&gt;connected&lt;/i&gt;. short, concise, clear actionable messages guided, supported, motivated them &lt;i&gt;keep alert&lt;/i&gt; seek professional help. Complementary weekly reminders women’s significant others also continuity or prompt needed social seeking. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> We used approach diffuse stakeholders communicate important targeted rural pregnant Involving both HCPs end users developing formulating allowed us tailor characteristics preferences. Future work will address feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness design approach.