KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS MOBILE PHONE USE TO PROMOTE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH AMONG WOMEN IN MUSHIN, LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Mobile phone technology has been demonstrated to promote maternel and child health. However, its benefits are yet to be fully explored in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes towards the use of mobile phones to promote maternel and child health among women of reproductive age group (15 49years) in Mushin, Lagos, Nigeria. In this descriptive cross-sectional survey, data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire from 400 respondents who were selected by multistage  sampling method. The mean age of respondents was 28.19.5years and 51% were married. Majority (93.5%) owned a mobile phone but only 23.5% subscribed to short message service (SMS) about health. About half of the respondents had good overall knowledge (51.3%) and positive attitudes (51%). Younger age and higher education were significantly associated with good knowledge and also significantly associated with positive attitudes (p?0.05). Although most women owned a mobile phone, knowledge and attitudes towards its use to promote maternal and child health were limited.

Therefore, an increased enlightenment of its use is necessary as well as strengthening the partnerships between the health sector, community and the telecommunications industry.