Assessing Acceptability of a Mobile Health Intervention: SMS Maama Maternal Health Program in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the acceptability of SMS Maama, a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for maternal health in Kampala, Uganda. Design: A qualitative study was conducted with thematic analysis methodology to identify aspects that contribute to success in mHealth maternal health interventions in an urban setting in sub Saharan Africa. Method: Focus groups were used with 30 women to examine perceptions of mHealth program structure design, patterns of seeking care, and knowledge of pregnancy. Results: Prominent themes addressed in groups include knowledge of pregnancy, healthy nutritional intake, program design, seeking care and information, and partner antenatal care (ANC) attendance. Discussion: Women responded positively to the design of the program and emphasized the need for a service that addresses their feelings of fear, confusion around nutritional information, and frustration with the logistics of attending ANC. Policy Implications: Even though mHealth is an increasingly popular modality of care, there is a lack of international policy guidelines and best practices necessary to run mHealth programs in maternal health in developing countries. Conclusion: SMS Maama is an acceptable model for literate women with access to mobile phones in urban settings in Uganda, and potentially other urban settings in East Africa.