dc.contributor.author |
Mbuthia, Florence W. |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Reid, Marianne |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Fichardt, Annali |
|
dc.date.accessioned |
2019-11-11T07:09:35Z |
|
dc.date.available |
2019-11-11T07:09:35Z |
|
dc.date.issued |
2019-11-06 |
|
dc.identifier.citation |
Mbuthia, F., Reid, M. & Fichardt, A. mHealth communication to strengthen postnatal care in rural areas: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 19, 406 (2019) doi:10.1186/s12884-019-2531-0 |
en_US |
dc.identifier.issn |
1471-2393 |
|
dc.identifier.uri |
http://41.89.227.156:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/981 |
|
dc.description.abstract |
Background: Postnatal care (PNC) in rural areas is characterised by low uptake, with possible effect on maternal
and neonatal mortality rates. Mobile health (mHealth) communication has been proposed to promote the uptake
of health services; however, there is limited information on how mHealth can strengthen PNC in rural areas. The
objective of this review was to gather the best available evidence regarding mHealth communication to strengthen
PNC in rural areas.
Methods: Studies published between 1 January 2008 and 31 August 2018 were searched in electronic databases
hosted by EBSCO Host. Reference list checking and contact with authors were also done. Critical appraisal of the
eligible studies was also done.
Results: The results of 11 articles were synthesised to report the determinants of PNC uptake. Determinants were
aligned to the Integrative Model of Behaviural Prediction (IMBP). One-way mobile phone messaging was the most
common type of mHealth communication used. mHealth communication influenced mothers’ intentions, skills, and
environmental constraints associated with uptake of PNC. Intentions were influenced by attitudes, perceived norms
and self-efficacy. Positive attitudes, as well as changed attitudes toward PNC practices were observed. Perceived
norms that were enhanced were delivery at a health facility with immediate PNC, seeking of reinforcement and
professional health support of newborn care practices, and male partner support. Improved self-efficacy was
demonstrated by mothers who attended scheduled appointments and they were confident with regard to
newborn care practices. Skills for PNC that were improved included cord care, thermal care, appropriate
breastfeeding and problem-solving. The environmental constraints faced and which were addressed in the studies
included inaccessibility, unavailability and unaffordability of PNC services in rural areas.
Conclusions: Results from the literature included in this study show that one-way mobile phone messaging is the
common type of mHealth communication used to strengthen PNC in rural areas. mHealth communication can
influence intentions, skills and environmental constraints as determinants of PNC uptake. mHealth communication
is recommended to strengthen PNC in rural areas. To widen the evidence, more studies in the field of mHealth
communication that report a variety of both maternal and neonatal outcomes are needed. |
en_US |
dc.description.sponsorship |
This review was supported by School of Nursing, University of the Free State (2016446920). The funding body had no role in the design of the study, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, and in writing the manuscript. |
en_US |
dc.language.iso |
en |
en_US |
dc.publisher |
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth |
en_US |
dc.subject |
Postnatal care |
en_US |
dc.subject |
Mobile health |
en_US |
dc.subject |
Communication |
en_US |
dc.subject |
Rural |
en_US |
dc.subject |
Systematic review |
en_US |
dc.title |
mHealth communication to strengthen postnatal care in rural areas: a systematic review |
en_US |
dc.type |
Article |
en_US |