Factors associated with the use of a mobile phone-based health information system among caregivers of children under-five in rural Ghana
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Date
September, 2019
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Abstract
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.
Description
A thesis submitted to the School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Health (Population, Family and Reproductive Health).
Keywords
Mobile phone technology, healthcare, M health interventions, Caregivers