Mobile phone use among mothers seeking postnatal services in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Background/Aims: Mobile phone use is increasing globally, with Kenya having increased use in rural and urban areas. Despite the widespread use of mobile phones, their use in health delivery services, such as to enhance postnatal care attendance, is low. Kenya is exploring interventions such as the use of mobile health to improve uptake. This study aimed to determine mobile phone use among postnatal mothers in Kakamega County, Kenya. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative data. It was carried out among 240 postnatal mothers in Kakamega County. Systematic sampling was used to recruit the participants from three hospitals and data were collected using questionnaires. Data were analysed using the Chi squared test to determine associations between socio demographic characteristics and perceptions of mobile phone use to improve postnatal care attendance. Results: The majority of participants (87.0%) owned a mobile phone. Over half (53.0%) used their mobile phone many times a day, with 61.0% sending SMS many times a day and 65.0% making voice calls many times a day. Almost all participants (93.0%) said they would recommend the use of an SMS or voice call service for postnatal care attendance to their friends. Frequency of mobile phone use (P=0.000), SMS use (P=0.042) and voice call use (P=0.007) were all significantly associated with perception of mobile phone use to improve postnatal care attendance, as was antenatal care visits (P=0.005). Conclusions: The majority of participants owned mobile phones and felt positive about mobile phone use to improve postnatal care. The county government of Kakamega should integrate mobile phone technology with the delivery of postnatal services to improve attendance.