Collecting Maternal Health Information From HIV-Positive Pregnant Women Using Mobile Phone-Assisted Face-to-Face Interviews in Southern Africa

Background: The access to quality maternal health information amongst pregnant women plays an important role in determining woman’s health behaviour during pregnancy. Yet, access to maternal health information remains a major challenge in Tanzanian rural communities especially for pregnant women leading to low utilisation of skilled maternal health services.Objectives: The study aimed at examining the accessibility of maternal health information amongst pregnant women in rural Tanzania.Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study involving 25 pregnant women, 5 skilled healthcare providers (SHPs) and 5 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) was carried out in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania for a period of 6 months. Data were analysed thematically using the six-stage guide to thematic data analysis with NVivo Software.Results: The acute shortage of healthcare personnel and traditional beliefs influenced pregnant women’s access to quality maternal health information. The majority of women used mothers-in-law and TBAs as their primary source of maternal health information rather than skilled healthcare providers.Conclusion: Despite the acute shortage, healthcare providers need to play a leading role in providing maternal health information amongst the rural populations. Furthermore, skilled health providers need to work in collaboration with the TBAs to increase access to maternal health information and build a well-informed healthy society.

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EVALUASI INPUT KELAS IBU HAMIL DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS SUKOLILO

NURSING UPDATE : Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Keperawatan P-ISSN : 2085-5931 e-ISSN : 2623-2871 ◽

10.36089/nu.v1i2.59 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 15-24

Author(s):

Siti Rochimatul Lailiyah

Keyword(s):

Maternal Health ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Newborn Care ◽

Local Area ◽

Face To Face ◽

Study Approach ◽

Study Population ◽

The Right ◽

In Pregnancy

Interpersonal education in pregnancy program is a means to learn together about maternal health in the form of face to face in a group that aims to improve the knowledge and skills of mothers in pregnancy,childbirth, postpartum and newborn care. 8 of 10 mothers have not been able breastfeeding correctly when they have Interpersonal education in pregnancy program. Aim of this study is to identify a picture of the participants, facilitators, facilities and infrastructureclass of pregnant women in the region work of Puskesmas Sukolilo. This research uses descriptive quantitative research with a case study approach. The variables used were input component class pregnant women, participants, facilitators, facilities and infrastructure. The study population is all classes of existing maternal health center working area Sukoliloas many as 13 classes for pregnant women. The data are collected by using questionnaires,observation, and interviews. The results showed that the majority of class participants mom Pregnant aged 21-25 years is 78 respondents (77%). In which The majority of participantsprimary and junior education level that is 84 respondents (83%) and mostly participants as housewife is 67 respondents (66%). Meanwhile the knowledge of participants almost half less that 49 respondents (48%), and class facilitators pregnant women as many as two respondents, both aged > 35 years, educated DIII of midwifery, and trained in facilitating classroom pregnant women. In addition, pregnant mothers-class facilities are available but incomplete and also there are less infrastructure. It is expected that the participants in a class of pregnant women can be group ed according to the level of education and age of pregnancy in order to get the right things, then the facilitator in pregnant mother class should be carried out by midwives in the local area, as well as the means and infrastructure needs to be more completed in order to support class implementation pregnant women to be more optimal and effective.

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Explaining the concept of maternal health information verification and assessment during pregnancy: a qualitative study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03715-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Safoura Taheri ◽

Mahmoud Tavousi ◽

Zohre Momenimovahed ◽

Ashraf Direkvand-Moghadam ◽

Nazanin Rezaei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Maternal Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Health Information ◽

Information Sources ◽

Information Resources ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Main Category ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Information Verification

Abstract Background Pregnant women use information sources for their own health and health of their children. However, despite the importance of trusting the information sources, pregnant women may not have the ability to verify the maternal health information, which could have negative consequences for their health. The purpose of this study was to explain the concept of maternal health information verification and assessment in pregnant women according to their experiences and perception. Methods This is a qualitative study that was conducted in 2017 in Tehran, Iran. The participants in this study consisted of 19 pregnant women who were selected by purposeful sampling. To collect data, semi-structured, in-depth and face to face interviews were conducted with participants and continued until saturation of data. Conventional content analysis method was used to analyze the data and to identify concepts and synthesize them into general classes. MAXQDA software version 10 was used to manage the data. Results In the process of data analysis, the concept of verification and assessment of maternal health information in pregnancy was explained in two main categories, including “Validity of information resources” and “Reliance on information resources.” The category of Validity of information resources had two subcategories of valid and invalid sources, and the main category of Reliance on information resources had two subcategories of indicators of assurance, and confusion and trying to obtain assurance. Conclusion The results indicated that pregnant women used various sources and indicators, as well as different evaluation methods to obtain information and verify it, especially when they are confused. Thus, health authorities and healthcare professionals should provide appropriate programs to familiarize mothers with credible sources, train pregnant women on standards and practices for judging the accuracy of information, and create a safe margin of information.

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A mobile phone-based multimedia intervention to support maternal health is acceptable and feasible among illiterate pregnant women in Uganda: Qualitative findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial

Digital Health ◽

10.1177/2055207620986296 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 205520762098629

Author(s):

Angella Musiimenta ◽

Wilson Tumuhimbise ◽

Niels Pinkwart ◽

Jane Katusiime ◽

Godfrey Mugyenyi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Maternal Health ◽

Mobile Phone ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Clinic Appointment ◽

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Uganda’s maternal mortality rate remains unacceptably high. Mobile phones can potentially provide affordable means of accessing maternal health services even among the otherwise hard-to-reach populations. Evidence about the acceptability and feasibility of mobile phone-based interventions targeting illiterate women, however, is limited. Objective To assess the acceptability and feasibility of a mobile phone-based multimedia application (MatHealth app) to support maternal health amongst illiterate pregnant women in rural southwestern Uganda. Methods 80 pregnant women initiating antenatal care from Mbarara regional referral hospital were enrolled in a pilot randomized controlled trial and followed until six weeks after delivery. The 40 women in the intervention group received a MatHealth app composed of educational videos/audios, clinic appointment reminders, and the calling function. Qualitative interviews on acceptability of this technology were carried out with 30 of the intervention participants. An inductive, content analytic approach was used to analyze qualitative data. Quantitative feasibility data were recorded and summarized descriptively. Results Participants reported that the intervention is acceptable as it enabled them adopt good maternal health practices, enhanced social support from spouses, provided clinic appointment reminders, and facilitated communication with healthcare providers. Challenges included: phone sharing (74%), accidental deletion of the application 15 (43%), lack of electricity 15 (43%), and inability to set up a reminder function 20 (57%). Conclusion The MatHealth app is an acceptable and feasible intervention among illiterate women, in a resource limited setting. Future efforts should focus on optimized application design, spouse orientation, and incorporating economic support to overcome the challenges we encountered.

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A Mobile Phone-based Multimedia Application Could Improve Maternal Health in Rural Southwestern Uganda: Mixed Methods Study

Online Journal of Public Health Informatics ◽

10.5210/ojphi.v12i1.10557 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Angella Musiimenta ◽

Wilson Tumuhimbise ◽

Godfrey Mugyenyi ◽

Jane Katusiime ◽

Esther Atukunda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Maternal Health ◽

Health Services ◽

Mobile Phone ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Maternal Health Services ◽

Multimedia Application ◽

Transport Cost ◽

Time Saving ◽

Health Technologies ◽

Video And Audio

Background: Reducing maternal and infant mortality rates remains challenging. Illiteracy, lack of reliable information, long distances to health centers continue to limit access to quality maternal healthcare in Uganda. Mobile health technologies could be promising affordable strategies for enhancing access to maternal health services. However, there is lack of studies assessing the experiences of illiterate rural pregnant women regarding these technologies. Objective: To explore how illiterate pregnant women perceive a maternal health mobile application composed of tailored video and audio messages, appointment reminders and calling function. Methods: We purposively sampled illiterate pregnant women initiating antenatal care at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. We carried out three focus group discussions with 14 women to elicit information on perceptions of the proposed mobile phone based multimedia application. We used STATA 13 to describe study participants and their preferences. Results: Pregnant women anticipated that intervention would enhance maternal health by reminding them to attend antenatal appointments, enabling transport cost and time saving, providing tailored information that is easy to understand, and recall. However, financial constraints and phone sharing would limit the functionality.Conclusion: Mhealth application may provide acceptable and affordable alternative approaches to providing maternal health services, especially in settings where face-to-face approaches are challenging.

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Use of mobile phone for improvement in maternal health: a randomized control trial

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20175260 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (12) ◽

pp. 5458 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Vidyadhar B. Bangal ◽

Sai K. Borawake ◽

Satyajit P. Gavhane ◽

Kunal H. Aher

Keyword(s):

Maternal Health ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Mobile Phone ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Tetanus Toxoid ◽

Postnatal Care ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Randomized Control ◽

Antenatal Visits ◽

Tetanus Toxoid Immunization

Background: The rapid escalation of cellular network coverage and expansion of mobile phone usage has opened up a new way of deploying health services. The mobile app with message facilities help in imparting health education regarding nutrition, iron and folic acid prophylaxis, tetanus toxoid immunization, danger symptoms and signs during pregnancy etc. Present study aimed to improve maternal health and pregnancy outcome by optimum utilization of antenatal, natal and postnatal care services, with the use of mobile phone as a medium of communication between health care provider and community in rural area.Methods: The prospective randomized control study, with two hundred pregnant women each, coming for antenatal visit and having personal mobile phone facility, were randomly allocated to control and intervention group. Control group women received routine antenatal care and advice as per hospital protocol. In addition to routine care and advice, intervention group received mobile phone calls, as reminders about next visit and text messages (SMS) on important aspects of antenatal care at regular intervals. The primary outcome indicators of the study were percentage of pregnant women coming for at least four antenatal visits, percentage of institutional delivery and postnatal check-ups.Results: Women in the intervention group had significantly higher number of antenatal visits, consumption of iron tablets, tetanus toxoid immunization, institutional deliveries and postnatal check-ups as compared to the control group.Conclusions: In the present study, the mobile phone intervention, significantly increased the percentage of women receiving the recommended four antenatal visits and showed a trend towards more women receiving preventive health services. Study gathered good evidence that m-Health tools present an opportunity to influence behaviour change and ensure that women access prevention services, including antenatal, natal and postnatal care. Mobile technology, specifically SMS can be successfully used to extend health information services to pregnant women.

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Health Literacy, Information Seeking Patterns and Perceived Outcomes among Pregnant Women in Two Districts of Tanzania

10.21203/rs.3.rs-156717/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Columba Mbekenga ◽

Reuben Mutagaywa ◽

Edda Tandi Lwoga

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Maternal Health ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Health Information ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Low Income ◽

Information Seeking ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Care Providers ◽

High Level

Abstract BackgroundPregnant women that engage in information seeking process are more likely to have a high level of knowledge about their health, be confident to discuss their health concerns with their health care providers and report better health promotion activities than individuals who do not seek health information. However, health literacy influence pregnant women’s information seeking behaviours and consequently their health knowledge and health outcomes. Limited studies have explored the effects of health literacy on the outcomes associated with the information seeking among pregnant women in Tanzania. This study investigates the relationship between health literacy and information seeking patterns and its associated outcomes among pregnant women in Tanzania. MethodsA cross- sectional survey was conducted among 260 pregnant women aged 18 and above attending selected antenatal clinics (ANC) in Tanzania. Health literacy was assessed using a REALM-SF instrument while information seeking patterns while the associated outcomes were measured using three Likert scales. Descriptive and analytic analyzes were performed using the SPSS, version 24.ResultsAmong the demographic factors, level of education was significantly associated with the level of health literacy (p<0.001). The level of health literacy was better among married pregnant women than those who were not married, and among those who have high income more than those with low-income. The number of ANC visits, gestational age and parity were significantly associated with the level of health literacy (p<0.05). A significant relationship was found between health literacy with seeking health information from village leaders (p < 0.0001) and all online information sources (p < 0.05). Pregnant women with high level of health literacy strongly agree to confirm (from health professionals) the validity of health information they receive from different sources and to recommend the importance of searching health information to others (p<0.001).ConclusionHealth literacy has great influence on maternal health behaviors and the associated outcomes. Maternal health interventions targeting both individual women and the public to ensure high health literacy levels across communities are required. An integration of online/ web-based health information in ANC health educational packages would warrant pregnant women access to high quality health information.

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Exploring Women’s Health Information Needs During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study

Journal of Family & Reproductive Health ◽

10.18502/jfrh.v14i4.5209 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marzieh Javanmardi ◽

Mahnaz Noroozi ◽

Firouzeh Mostafavi ◽

Hasan Ashrafi-Rizi

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Health Information ◽

Information Needs ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Main Category ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Face To Face ◽

Field Notes ◽

In Pregnancy

Objective: Pregnant women need health information to ensure their health and to have a healthy delivery. Therefore, equipping them with adequate information can bring desired health outcomes for them and their fetus. The present study was conducted to explore health information needs of women during pregnancy. Materials and methods: The present research was a qualitative study. Thirty-nine participants (pregnant women, midwives, and obstetricians) were selected through purposeful sampling in Isfahan from June to November 2016. Data were collected through in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews, daily notes and field notes. Results: Data analysis led to emergence of ten sub-categories including: "common complaints during pregnancy", "problems and complications in pregnancy", "factors affecting fetal health", "proper nutrition and take supplements during pregnancy", "sex during pregnancy", "exercise during pregnancy", "diagnostic tests in pregnancy", "fetal growth and development", "types of childbirth and preparation for delivery" and "baby care and breastfeeding" and finally the main category was the "health information needs". Conclusion: Regarding the health information requests of pregnant women, their needs should be identified and taken into consideration when planning educational programs for this group of women.

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