THE INFLUENCE OF MOBILE HEALTH (MHEALTH) INNOVATIONS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACH USING THE CASES OF SIERRA LEONE AND INDIA.
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Abstract
Background
Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have emerged as critical tools for strengthening community health outreach in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in settings affected by health workforce shortages, infrastructural constraints, and geographic barriers. While mHealth initiatives are expanding globally, evidence comparing their implementation, effectiveness, and contextual determinants across diverse LMIC settings remains limited. This study examines the influence of mHealth innovations on community health outreach in Sierra Leone and India.
Methodology
A comparative mixed-methods design was employed, combining a cross-sectional survey of 300 respondents (150 per country) with 24 Key Informant Interviews. Participants included Community Health Workers, health system administrators, and community beneficiaries. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential tests, and logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo to explore implementation experiences, barriers, and contextual factors.
Results
mHealth awareness and utilisation were highest among Community Health Workers and administrators in both countries, with significantly higher integration and regular use observed in India. Perceived benefits included improved patient communication, health data tracking, referral efficiency, and patient compliance. Infrastructure-related barriers—such as poor network coverage, unreliable electricity, and limited digital literacy—were more pronounced in Sierra Leone. Logistic regression identified country context, education level, mobile phone ownership, and mHealth training as significant predictors of regular mHealth use. Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of policy integration, continuous training, and community trust in shaping adoption and sustainability.
Conclusion
mHealth innovations enhance community health outreach when embedded within supportive health systems, adequate infrastructure, and culturally responsive implementation strategies. The comparative findings underscore that technology alone is insufficient; sustainable impact depends on governance, workforce capacity, and system-level integration. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to leverage mHealth to advance equitable primary healthcare in LMICs.
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