Use of mobile phones for behavior change communication to improve maternal, newborn and child health

A scoping review

Datos Bibliográficos

ID19550153
AutoresAlison Mildon (0000-0002-5550-0040, University of Toronto), Daniel Sellen (0000-0003-2124-6977, University of Toronto, autor de correspondencia)
Año2019
Volumen9
Número2
Páginas020425-020425
Fecha de publicación2019-12-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Global Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2047-2978 • E-ISSN: 2047-2986
EditorialInternational Society of Global Health (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.7189/jogh.09.020425
PMID31893032
OpenAlexW2995687853
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas11
Referencias citadas68

BACKGROUND: Behavior change communication (BCC) to improve health and caring practices is an integral component of efforts to improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH). Mobile phones are widely available in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), presenting new opportunities for BCC delivery. There is need for delivery science to determine how best to leverage mobile phone technology for BCC to improve MNCH practices. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of studies and project reports documenting the feasibility, implementation or effectiveness of using mobile phones for BCC delivery related to MNCH in LMIC. Data were extracted and synthesized from three sources: i) systematic search of three electronic databases (PubMed, MedLine, Scopus); ii) grey literature search, including mHealth databases and websites of organizations implementing mHealth projects; iii) consultation with researchers and programme implementers. Records were screened using pre-determined inclusion criteria and those selected were categorized according to their primary intervention delivery approaches. We then performed a descriptive analysis of the evidence related to both effectiveness and implementation for each delivery approach. RESULTS: The systematic literature search identified 1374 unique records, 64 of which met inclusion criteria. The grey literature search added 32 records for a total of 96 papers in the scoping review. Content analysis of the search results identified four BCC delivery approaches: direct messaging, voice counseling, job aid applications and interactive media. Evidence for the effectiveness of these approaches is growing but remains limited for many MNCH outcomes. The four approaches differ in key implementation elements, including frequency, length and complexity of communication, and potential for personalization. These elements influence resource allocation and are likely to impact effectiveness for BCC targeting complex, habitual MNCH practices. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review contributes to the evidence-base on the opportunities and limitations of using mobile phones for BCC delivery aiming to improve MNCH practices. The incorporation of mobile phone technology in BCC interventions should be guided by formative research to match both the content and delivery approach to the local context. We recommend five areas for further research, including both effectiveness and implementation studies on specific delivery approaches

Environmental health · Health behavior · Health services · Internet privacy · Maternal health · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Computer Science · Global Maternal and Child Health · Medicine · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Psychology