mHealth: ICT framework for mitigating the determinants of maternal and neonatal morality

Abstract

Maternal and neonatal mortality is a great challenge towards the family unit within Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper is a review of frameworks that look at mitigating factors toward a reduction of maternal and neonatal deaths. A greater focus is placed on the mHealth frameworks that target maternal and neonatal health. Additionally, a framework is proposed that combines the mitigating frameworks toward maternal and neonatal mortality as well as the mHealth frameworks. A qualitative experimental study was conducted that was used to propose the framework. The study was conducted in two locations in Kenya and each location had both an interventional and control group. The study was focused on pregnant women and used an information dissemination system as the intervention. Several complications were observed during the study at both locations. In addition, there were three neonate mortalities at one of the locations, one of which may have been prevented had the woman been empowered. Key findings revealed that while SMS messages did not necessarily have an immense impact on the well-being of the mother, with the necessary information, a mother is able to promptly make certain informed decisions based on symptoms that occur that could prevent mortalities. In conclusion, a lengthy health worker strikes during the entire study impacted the study and as such a similar study conducted when local health workers are in session may display different results.