Impact of m health to improve postnatal visits among postpartum mothers in a rural community in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: There is an increase of mobile phone use globally with Kenya being among countries with increased usage both in rural and urban areas. Despite the widespread use of mobile phone, its use in health delivery services such as enhancing postnatal clinic (PNC) attendance is quite low. Countries such Kenya are exploring various interventions such as use of m health to improve the uptake of postnatal care. Postnatal visits have been reported in many studies to be low in many countries, and this has eventually affected the utilization of postnatal services. During the postnatal period the health care providers get opportunity to detect maternal and neonatal health problems in order to curb morbidities and mortalities. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of mobile phone in enhancing postnatal visits among postnatal mothers in Kakamega County, Kenya Methods: This was an experimental longitudinal and a facility based randomized control trial with a quantitative data. It was carried among 284 eligible postnatal mothers. Systematic sampling technique was used to recruit the study subjects. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: There was a significant increase in attendance between control arm and intervention arm 3 (combination of SMS and voice call) by 40% in second PN, third 14% and 23% in fourth postnatal visit. There was a significant difference in adherence to second and third postnatal visit between control and intervention arms. We concluded that combination of voice call and SMS is 3.37 times more effective than voice call or SMS alone. The Kakamega County government should integrate use of mobile phone in delivery of health care services.