Detailed paper information
| Paper title | Bi-weekly Voice and text messaging to Improve Pregnancy experience in Rural Andean Peru : A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial using Mixed Methods |
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| Paper code | P126 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract text |
Aims: We evaluate the potential effects voice and text messaging, on the improvement of pregnancy experience of pregnant women and young mothers in rural Andean Peru. Expected outcomes of this system-wide m-Health intervention are: maternal attitudinal change toward a positive/improved view on maternal and child health care provision, improved health literacy, health seeking behaviour and practices. We also explore the technical feasibility and participant’s satisfaction of the m-Health intervention in the local population. Methods: Focus groups were organised to identify format and content of the intervention. 75 participants (37 pregnant women and 38 mothers of a child under 100 days old) were recruited from the San Marcos Province, Cajamarca, Peru and randomly allocated to intervention (n=40) and control groups (n=35). In-depth interviews were carried before the start intervention to: identify the most important determinants of a positive pregnancy and child care experience. A questionnaire enquired about the effects of the intervention on the most important determinants of pregnancy and child-care experiences and collect feedback on the intervention. Results: Preliminary results show that determinants of a positive pregnancy experience are, among others: Kind treatment by the Health provider, which also impacts trusts, positive perception of medication, supplementation and vaccination given by the Health centre. A majority of intervention recipients (32/40) reported having used the content of the messages. Voice messaging was a main source of information on alarming signs, i.e. symptoms in the mother and the child indicating the need to seek help, for a quarter of them (10/40). Mothers whose husband also received text messages (9/25) reported improved supportive behaviour and attitudinal change towards the new family situation. Text messages are less prone to transmission error than voice messages (0.8% vs 19.9%), mothers preferred voice messaging while pregnant women preferred text messages. Conclusion: Voice and text messaging is a well-received m-Health intervention that appears feasible to be implemented system-wide in remote high-altitude populations. This current analysis indicates highest value in information transfer to recipients. Analysis of the m-health intervention impact on pre- and postnatal care seeking will be presented. |