Exploring Determinants of Pregnant Women's Acceptance of M-Health Applications for Antenatal Care: A Case Study in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the determinants of pregnant women’s acceptance of m-Health applications for antenatal care in Northeastern Nigeria. Despite the transformative potential of m-Health technologies to enhance maternal health by providing real-time information, symptom tracking, and personalized care, their adoption remains limited, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combined quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, gathering data from 250 pregnant women and 50 community health workers (CHWs). The study examined key factors influencing acceptance, including socio-demographic variables (age, education, income), privacy concerns, trust in technology, and technological barriers such as internet access and mobile device availability. The findings reveal that younger, educated women with better access to mobile technology were more likely to adopt m-Health applications. However, significant barriers such as privacy concerns, low trust in technology, and limited infrastructure in rural areas hindered broader adoption. Additionally, healthcare provider endorsements were found to play a crucial role in increasing acceptance. This research underscores the need for user-friendly, secure, culturally sensitive, and affordable m-Health applications, along with targeted digital literacy programs and improved infrastructure, to enhance antenatal care and reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria. The study contributes valuable insights for healthcare providers, policy makers, and m-Health developers to tailor interventions that can effectively improve maternal health outcomes through mobile technology in resource-constrained settings