The role of mHealth intervention to improve maternal and child health: A provider-based qualitative study in Southern Ethiopia

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.