Mobile health interventions for improving maternal and child health outcomes in South Africa:a systematic review
10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.002
- Author:
Mbunge ELLIOT
1
;
Sibiya Nokuthula MAUREEN
Author Information
1. Division of Research,Innovation and Engagement,Mangosuthu University of Technology,Umlazi,Durban 4031,South Africa
- Keywords:
Mobile health(mHealth);
Child health;
Maternal health;
Digital health technologies;
South Africa
- From:
Global Health Journal
2024;8(3):103-112
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Background:Maternal and child health(MCH)remains a significant public health concern globally despite pre-vious efforts made to improve MCH services.Initiatives such as antenatal care,postnatal care services exclusive breastfeeding,child vaccination and supplements have been rolled out to improve MCH outcomes.However,inadequate maternal healthcare,socioeconomic factors,obstetric haemorrhaging,complications of hypertension during pregnancy,lack of maternal information,poor universal health coverage and uptake of MCH services exac-erbate maternal mortality and child mortality rates,especially in resource-constrained areas in many sub-Saharan African countries including South Africa. Objective:This study aimed to review mobile health(mHealth)interventions deployed to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Methods:The study adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses model to search and retrieve relevant literature from reputable,prominent electronic databases(Google Scholar,Scopus,PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,etc.).A total of 26 papers were selected and analyzed. Results:The findings revealed several mHealth interventions such as MomConnect,Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action,NurseConnect,ChildConnect,CommCare,Road to Health Application and Philani Mobile Video Interven-tion for Exclusive Breastfeeding have been utilized by healthcare workers and women to improve access to MCH services.However,inadequate digital infrastructure,digital divide,resistance to change,inadequate funding,language barriers,short message service and data costs,lack of digital skills and support,compatibility,scalabil-ity and interoperability issues,legislative and policy compliance,lack of mHealth awareness,data security and privacy concerns hinder uptake and utilisation of mHealth interventions.There is a need to scale up and sustain mHealth interventions and update existing regulatory framework,policies and strategies. Conclusion:mHealth interventions offer unprecedented opportunities to improve access to maternal information and substantially improve maternal and child health services.Stakeholder engagement and the development of sustainable funding strategies are important for successfully implementing and scaling mHealth projects while addressing existing and emerging key issues.
