Mobile health intervention to improve maternal health in Uganda
Integration of a Patient-centered Mobile Health Intervention (Support-moms) Into Routine Antenatal Care to Improve Maternal Health in Uganda.
This study is testing a mobile app designed to help pregnant women in Uganda get better healthcare and support to improve their health and reduce risks during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1680 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mbarara University of Science and Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Mbarara and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05940831 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention aims to enhance maternal health in Uganda by utilizing a mobile health application called Support-Moms. The app provides targeted health information and engages social support networks through scheduled reminders, encouraging pregnant women to utilize antenatal care services. The study will assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of this intervention in improving healthcare utilization and reducing maternal and perinatal mortality rates in rural areas. By leveraging mobile technology, the project seeks to empower women and improve health outcomes in a region facing significant maternal health challenges.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women in their first trimester who have not yet accessed antenatal care and reside in the study's catchment area.
Not a fit: Patients who do not own a cell phone with reliable reception or are unable to use SMS notifications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce maternal and perinatal mortality rates by improving access to and utilization of maternity care services.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promise for mobile health interventions in improving healthcare utilization, but this specific approach is relatively novel in the context of Uganda.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Individuals who: * are in the first trimester of pregnancy who have not yet presented for ANC * reside in the catchment area of a study HC * are emancipated minors and adults aged ≥ 18 years * report access to a cell phone with reception in their home * are able to identify at least two social supporters living within the study districts * are able to provide consent. * are from participants' existing social support network, with whom they have had stable, long-term relationships Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded from the study if they: * do not own a cell phone for personal use with reported reliable reception * are unable to use SMS or unwilling to receive SMS notifications Potential social supporters will be excluded from the study if they: * are under 18 years of age * do not own a cell phone for personal use with reported reliable reception * are unable to use SMS or unwilling to receive SMS notifications * have not had stable, long-term relationships with the participants * are not aware that the study participant is pregnant
Where this trial is running
Mbarara and 1 other locations
- Mbarara city — Mbarara, Uganda (Recruiting)
- Mbarara district — Mbarara, Uganda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Esther C. Atukunda, PhD — Mbarara University of Science and Technology
- Study coordinator: Esther C. Atukunda, PhD
- Email: eatukunda@must.ac.ug
- Phone: +256 782949832
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.