The Use of Medic Application by Community-Based Health Volunteers to Monitor Pre- and Post Pregnancy Status in Northern Ghana, A Case Study of Selected Districts

Abstract

Background: Skilled assistance to child birth in Northern Region is noted as the lowest (36.4 percent) as compared with national rate of 74 percent, yet over 80 percent of all maternal deaths occur around the period of delivery. Fortunately, various research on mHealth solutions have shown to contribute to an improved maternal health outcome. However, these mHealth applications have not been fully utilized for improved maternal health outcome. Objective: This study assessed the use of medic mobile application by community-based health volunteers (CHVs) in monitoring pre and post pregnancy status in Northern Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used targeting 123 CHVs who use the MMA application. Data on pregnancy status were analysed from the medic-mobile web-based platform. The complete census was conducted on all available CHVs who were engaged in MMA. The study reviewed on-going intervention by Catholic Relief Service. Results: The study observed that correct use of MMA by CHVs was relatively low in the first quarter of the programme but however, increased by 33 percent in the second quarter after some refresher trainings and supportive supervision. The use of MMA captured averagely 38 percent of all pregnancy status data in the four districts, exceeding the project target of 30 percent. Again, a quarterly analysis of the use of MMA showed that access to 4+ ANC services, skilled delivery and 48-hour PNC services in all the four districts increased over time. Similarly, pregnancy status indicators were relatively better in MMA facilities than non-MMA facilities. Conclusion and Recommendation: Some challenges observed include discontinuity of some CHVs and the delay in replacing them. Largely, the use of MMA helps to monitor pregnancy status adequately. Community-based health volunteers who are no more using the application should be replaced while at the same ensuring that trainings for such interventions are not limited to the start of the project.