Browsing by Author "Adjei, Timothy Kwabena"

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    Factors associated with the use of a mobile phone-based health information system among caregivers of children under-five in Rural Ghana
    (September, 2019) Adjei, Timothy Kwabena;
    Introduction Although childhood mortality and morbidity continues to be one of the leading challenges in LMICs, the burden can significantly be prevented with simple and affordable interventions. The phenomenon of using mobile phone technology in healthcare (mHealth) has attracted a global attention because of increase access and use of mobile phones in both urban and rural areas. MHealth interventions therefore provide a promising vehicle to improving the health outcomes in developing countries where access to health continues to be a significant obstacle. Notwithstanding the potential benefits of mHealth, its adoption and use among the end users in developing countries, such as Ghana, have not been thoroughly explored. Objective This study assessed the factors that influence the use of a mobile phone-based health information system among caregivers of children under five years in the Asante Akim North District. Methodology A community-based cross-sectional study nested in the MOBCHILD project was conducted in Asante Akim North District, a rural area in Ghana. In all 354 caregivers of children under-five years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Regression analysis was done to examine the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent constructs (variables) within the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Results Most caregivers were females (86.44%). Mobile phones ownership was very high (86%). Male gender, age and socio-economic status were associated with phone ownership (p<0.05). A significant 92.66% (324) of the all the respondents expressed intention to use to mHealth service in the future although a third (28.53%) reported actual use. The results also indicated that the relationship between Performance Expectancy (PE) and Behavioural Intention (BI) (β-0.278, 95% CI-0.207-0.349 p<0.001), Effort Expectancy (EE) and BI (β-0.242, 95% CI-0.159-0.326, p<0.001), Social Influence (SI) and BI (β-0.081, 95% CI- 0.044-0.120, p<0.001), Facilitating Condition (FC) and User behaviour (UB) (β-0.609, 95% CI- 0.502-0.715, p<0.001), were significant. Behavioural Intention (BI) had a strong positive impact on User Behaviour (UB) (β-0.426, 95% CI-0.255-0.597, p<0.001). Mobile phone experience and socio-economic status significantly moderated the effect of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating condition on behavioural intention and usage of mHealth service. Conclusion The perceived usefulness (PE) of mHealth system, ease associated with its use (EE), social influences (SI) and existing facilitating condition (FC) are strong determinants of users’ attitude and actual use (UB) of mHealth services. In order to increase uptake of mHealth, barriers such as electricity and network challenges must also be considered.
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    Factors associated with the use of a mobile phone-based health information system among caregivers of children under-five in rural Ghana
    (September, 2019) Adjei, Timothy Kwabena;
    Introduction Although childhood mortality and morbidity continues to be one of the leading challenges in LMICs, the burden can significantly be prevented with simple and affordable interventions. The phenomenon of using mobile phone technology in healthcare (mHealth) has attracted a global attention because of increase access and use of mobile phones in both urban and rural areas. MHealth interventions therefore provide a promising vehicle to improving the health outcomes in developing countries where access to health continues to be a significant obstacle. Notwithstanding the potential benefits of mHealth, its adoption and use among the end users in developing countries, such as Ghana, have not been thoroughly explored. Objective This study assessed the factors that influence the use of a mobile phone-based health information system among caregivers of children under five years using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Methodology A community-based cross-sectional study nested in the MOBCHILD project was conducted in Asante Akim North District, a rural area in Ghana. In all 354 caregivers of children under-five years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Regression analysis was done to examine the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent constructs (variables) within the UTAUT model. Results Most caregivers were females (86.44%). Mobile phones ownership was very high (86%). Male gender, age and socio-economic status were association phone ownership (p<0.05). A significant v 92.66% (324) of the all the respondents expressed intention to use to mHealth service in the future although a third (28.53%) reported actual use. The results also indicated that the relationship between PE and BI (β-0.278, 95% CI-0.207-0.349 p<0.001), EE and BI (β-0.242, 95% CI-0.159-0.326, p<0.001), SI and BI (β-0.081, 95% CI- 0.044-0.120, p<0.001), FC and UB (β-0.609, 95% CI-0.502-0.715, p<0.001), BI and UB (β- 0.426, 95% CI-0.255-0.597, p<0.001) were significant. Mobile phone experience and socio economic status significantly moderated the effect of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating condition on behavioural intention and usage of mHealth service. Conclusion The perceived usefulness of mHealth system, ease associated with its use, social influences and existing facilitating condition are strong determinants of users’ attitude and actual use of mHealth services. In order to increase uptake of mHealth, barriers such as electricity and network challenges must also be considered.
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    This disease is not meant for the hospital, it is Asram’: Implications of a traditionally-defined illness on healthcare seeking for children under-5 in rural Ashanti, Ghana
    (PLOS Glob Public Health, 2022-09-08) Acheampong, Princess Ruhama; Mohammed, Aliyu; Twumasi-Ankrah, Sampson; Sylverken, Augustina Angelina; Owusu, Michael; Acquah-Gyan, Emmanuel; Adjei, Timothy Kwabena; Otupiri, Easmon; Owusu-Dabo, Ellis; 0000-0001-8986-1648
    Every child has the right to survive, grow and develop. However, in spite of the considerable global gains that have been made in child survival, Sub-Saharan Africa still has the highest child mortality rates and accounts for the greatest burden of mortality globally. The majority of these children die without ever reaching a health facility. The practice of appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviour has a great potential to reduce the occurrence of severe and life-threatening childhood illnesses. Several factors, however, influence healthcare-seeking behaviour, including perceptions of the cause of illness and socio-cultural perspectives.This study seeks to understand local concepts of a traditionally-defined illness complex,Asram, and its influence on healthcare seeking behavior of mothers/caregivers. This qualitative study was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020. Four Focus Group Discus sions were conducted with mothers/caregivers of children under-5 and 22 Key Informant Interviews with mothers/caregivers of children who had Asram, health workers at district, facility, and community levels, and Asram healers. Participants were selected from two rural communities, Akutuase and Wioso of the Asante Akim North district in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Data analysis was carried out iteratively throughout data collection, using a thematic analysis approach. The study shows that Asram is a childhood illness complex that is perceived to have been acquired spiritually and/or inherited. Nine types of Asram were described. This childhood illness was said to be treatable by Asram healers who had subspecialties in treatment approaches that were determined by the Asram type reported. Mothers/caregivers trusted Asram healers and preferred to call on them first. This was found to be the main reason for delays in seeking healthcare for children under-5 who showed symptoms of Asram. Asram is a childhood illness complex that is believed to be bet ter managed outside the health facility setting. This study complements existing knowledge and creates opportunities for further research and the introduction of more effective interventions in the effort to improve child survival in rural communities.