Robinah Nalwanga1, Elly Nuwamanya2,3, Afra Nuwasiima2, Janet U Babigumira2, Francis T Asiimwe2, Joseph B Babigumira4. 1. GHE Consulting, P.O Box 27011, Kampala, Uganda. robinnalwanga192@gmail.com. 2. GHE Consulting, P.O Box 27011, Kampala, Uganda. 3. Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, P. O Box 414, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden. 4. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore , Block MD1, 12 Science Drive 2, Tahir Foundation Building, #09-03M, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Innovations to increase access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, goods, and services are needed, particularly in low-income settings. This study assessed the utilization of a mobile phone application (MPA) to increase access to SRH information, goods, and services among university students in Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from: (1) an endline survey performed as a consequence of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the effectiveness of the MPA, and (2) data from use of the MPA for accessing information, goods, and services over the 6-month time period of the RCT, obtained from in-MPA data collection service providers. We performed descriptive analysis of participant characteristics and their association with the utilization of the MPA using logistic regression; analyses of MPA use for accessing different types of information, goods, and services by gender; and analyses of functionality attributes of the MPA and related services. RESULTS: In the study population of young (median 22 years) predominantly female (61%) students, the utilization of the MPA by those who downloaded it was high (81% overall, 82% female, and 82% male). The most popular information portal was the frequently asked questions (71% utilization); the most popular goods were condoms for males (77% utilization) and sanitary pads for females (94% utilization); and the most popular service was HIV testing and counseling (60% utilization). The MPA demonstrated predominantly positive (responsiveness, non-distracting in-app advertisements, and ease of use) attributes. CONCLUSION: A mobile phone app to increase access to SRH information, goods, and services among university students in Uganda demonstrated high utilization. The results of this study support ongoing and future technical improvement efforts and research on effectiveness, economic efficiency, and scalability, along the continuum of activities to scale this intervention in order to improve SRH in low-income settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: MUREC1/7 No. 07/05-18. Registered; June 29, 2018.
BACKGROUND: Innovations to increase access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, goods, and services are needed, particularly in low-income settings. This study assessed the utilization of a mobile phone application (MPA) to increase access to SRH information, goods, and services among university students in Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from: (1) an endline survey performed as a consequence of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the effectiveness of the MPA, and (2) data from use of the MPA for accessing information, goods, and services over the 6-month time period of the RCT, obtained from in-MPA data collection service providers. We performed descriptive analysis of participant characteristics and their association with the utilization of the MPA using logistic regression; analyses of MPA use for accessing different types of information, goods, and services by gender; and analyses of functionality attributes of the MPA and related services. RESULTS: In the study population of young (median 22 years) predominantly female (61%) students, the utilization of the MPA by those who downloaded it was high (81% overall, 82% female, and 82% male). The most popular information portal was the frequently asked questions (71% utilization); the most popular goods were condoms for males (77% utilization) and sanitary pads for females (94% utilization); and the most popular service was HIV testing and counseling (60% utilization). The MPA demonstrated predominantly positive (responsiveness, non-distracting in-app advertisements, and ease of use) attributes. CONCLUSION: A mobile phone app to increase access to SRH information, goods, and services among university students in Uganda demonstrated high utilization. The results of this study support ongoing and future technical improvement efforts and research on effectiveness, economic efficiency, and scalability, along the continuum of activities to scale this intervention in order to improve SRH in low-income settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: MUREC1/7 No. 07/05-18. Registered; June 29, 2018.
Entities:
Keywords:
Kyambogo University; Services; Sexual and reproductive health; Students; Utilization
Authors: Nadine Crossland; Wilbur C Hadden; William E Vargas; Joseph J Valadez; Caroline Jeffery Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2015-08-12 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Laura Reyes-Martí; Lourdes Rubio-Rico; Laura Ortega-Sanz; Laia Raigal-Aran; Miriam de la Flor-López; Alba Roca-Biosca; Francesc Valls-Fonayet; Montse Moharra-Francés; Ramon Escuriet-Peiro; María Inmaculada de Molina-Fernández Journal: Reprod Health Date: 2021-11-27 Impact factor: 3.223