Impact of mHealth interventions for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition at scale: BBC Media Action and the Ananya program in Bihar, India.

• DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.021005
• Publication Date: 2020-12-01
• Authors: Victoria Ward; Hina Raheel; Yingjie Weng; Kala M. Mehta; Priyanka Dutt; Radharani Mitra; Padmapriya Sastry; Anna Godfrey; Melissa Shannon; Sara Chamberlain; Rajani Kaimal; Suzan L. Carmichael; Jason Bentley; Safa Abdalla; Kevin T Pepper; Tanmay Mahapatra; Sridhar Srikantiah; Evan Borkum; Anu Rangarajan; Swetha Sridharan; Dana Rotz; Priya Nanda; Usha Kiran Tarigo...; Yamini Atmavilas; Debarshi Bhattach...; Gary L. Darmstadt
• Keywords: mHealth; Preparedness

Mobile health (mHealth) tools have potential for improving the reach and quality of information services through community workers in low- middle-income countries. This study evaluates impact an mHealth tool implemented at scale as part statewide reproductive,maternal, newborn child nutrition (RMNCHN) program Bihar, India.Three survey-based data sets were analysed to compare health-related knowledge, attitudes behaviours amongst childbearing women exposed Kunji Dr. Anita during their visits with frontline compared those who unexposed.An evaluation by Mathematica (2014) revealed that exposure recordings associated significantly higher odds consuming iron-folic acid tablets (odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-3.1) well taking a set three measures delivery preparedness (OR 2.8, CI 1.9-4.2) appropriate infant complementary feeding 1.9, 1.0-3.5). CARE India's Community-based Household Surveys (2012-2017) demonstrated significant improvements early breastfeeding 1.64, 1.5-1.78) exclusive 1.46, 1.33-1.62) addition birth practices. BBC Media Action's Usage & Engagement Survey positive association between (58% vs 43% unexposed, P < 0.01) maternal respondents' trust worker.Significant RMNCHN-related knowledge observed Bihari Anita. analysis is unique its rigorous across multiple interventions scale. These results can help inform global understanding how best use tools, whom, what contexts.ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02726230.