Abstract:
Background: - Deployment of mobile health technology has promising positive effects on maternal and child health services, particularly in low-income countries. The few publications on M-health technology in Ethiopia are reviews of program or project processes. There is a scarcity of evidence on health workers' perception and intention to use mobile health technology for maternal health services including antenatal care. However, it is a known truth that mHealth technology can only be employed if health-care providers have a favorable perception and behavioral intention towards it.
Objectives: - To assess perception and intention of PHC workers towards using mobile health technology for ANC service, in bench-sheko zone, southwest Ethiopia region, in 2022 G.C:
Method: - Mixed method approach was used, by considering concurrent triangulation design. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was conducted in selected primary health care found in bench-sheko zone, from June 27 to July 27, 2022 G.C. Data was collected from 316 health workers, who provide ANC service in selected health centers. Participants were selected by simple random sampling technique. For the qualitative part; 2 FGDs and 4 in-depth interviews were conducted. SPSS v25 was used for quantitative data analysis. Multivariable linear regression modelling was done to identify predictors of intention to use M-health technology for ANC service. Standardized regression coefficient was interpreted at P-value < 0.05 to indicate the significant association. Qualitative data was transcribed, translated, coded; then, thematization was done:
Result: Totally 316 participant participated in this study making response rate of 98.7%. The mean age of the study participants was 29.2 (SD±5.1) years. The Percentages mean score of behavioural intention to use mobile technology in ANC service was 65 % (SD±21.7). Perceived mobile self-efficacy (β =0.332, p<0.001), perceived compatibility (β=0.590, p<0.001), eHealth training (β =0.142, p=0.008) and mobile use experience (β =0.176 p<0.001) were predictors of intention towards using M-health technology for ANC service.
Conculisison and recommendation: Among the primary health care workers in bench sheko zone above half of them score below the average percentage mean score (%SM) of behavioral intention to use mobile health technology for ANC service. Intention to use mobile health technology for ANC service is a function of mobile self eeficacay, perceived compatibility, year of mobile use experience and e-health training status. PHC workers perceived using mobile phone technology will allow them to provide effective ANC service. Health managers at diferent level should facilitate training focusing on boosting the health workers mobile self effecacy and policy makers should consider the compatibility of mHealth technology with existing practices.
