Publication: Women’s perceptions of using mobile phones for maternal and child health support in Afghanistan: Cross-sectional survey
Issued Date
2018-04-01
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ISSN
22915222
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2-s2.0-85060394293
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
JMIR mHealth and uHealth. Vol.6, No.4 (2018)
Suggested Citation
Fazal Yamin, Jaranit Kaewkungwal, Pratap Singhasivanon, Saranath Lawpoolsri Women’s perceptions of using mobile phones for maternal and child health support in Afghanistan: Cross-sectional survey. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. Vol.6, No.4 (2018). doi:10.2196/mhealth.9504 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/46762
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Title
Women’s perceptions of using mobile phones for maternal and child health support in Afghanistan: Cross-sectional survey
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Abstract
© Fazal Yamin, Jaranit Kaewkungwal, Pratap Singhasivanon, Saranath Lawpoolsri. Background: Growing rates of global mobile subscriptions pave the way for implementation of mobile health (mHealth) initiatives, especially among hard-to-reach populations. Objective: This study aimed to determine the perceptions of Afghan women regarding the use of mobile phones for maternal and child health services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in both rural and urban districts of Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. The interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess participants’ demographic profile, mobile phone usage, and perception of respondents toward different aspects of health care delivery via mobile phones. Results: Of the 240 participants, 142 (59.2%) owned mobile phones and 220 (91.7%) routinely used mobile phones. Approximately 209 (87.1%) of participants were willing to receive health messages via a mobile phone. Automated voice call was the most preferred method for sending health messages. More than 90% of the women reported that they would like to receive reminders for their children’s vaccinations and antenatal care visits. Conclusions: Users’ perception was associated with mobile phone ownership, literacy level, and experience using mobile phones. In the study area, where the literacy rate is low, mHealth was well perceived.