Abstract
BackgroundIn early 2016, we implemented a community-based maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) surveillance using mobile phones to collect, analyze, and use data by village health volunteers (VHV) in Kenge Health Zone (KHZ), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective of this study was to determine the perceptions of households, attitudes of community health volunteers, and opinions of nurses in Health center and administrative authorities towards the use of mobile phones for MNCH surveillance in the rural KHZ in the DRC.MethodsWe used mixed methods combining phenomenological and descriptive cross-sectional study. Between 3 and 24 March 2016, we collected the data through focus group discussions (FGD) with households, and structured interviews with VHV, local health and administrative authority, and nurses to explore the perceptions on MNCH surveillance using mobile phone. Data from the FGD and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques and descriptive statistics respectively.ResultsHealth issues and services for under-five children were well known by community; however, beliefs and cultural norms contributed to the practices of seeking behavior for households. Mobile phones were perceived as devices that render quick services for people who needed help; and the community’s attitudes towards the mobile phone use for collection of data, analysis, and use activities were good. Although some of community members did not see a direct linkage between this surveillance approach and health benefits, majority believed that there would be better MNCH services with the use of mobile phone. In addition, VHV will benefit from free healthcare for households and some material benefits and training. The best time to undertake these activities were in the afternoon with mother of the child, being the best respondent at the household.ConclusionHealth issues and services for under-five children are well known and MNCH surveillance using mobile phone by VHV in which the mother can be involved as respondent is accepted.
Highlights
In early 2016, we implemented a community-based maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) surveillance using mobile phones to collect, analyze, and use data by village health volunteers (VHV) in Kenge Health Zone (KHZ), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The objective of this study was to determine the perceptions of households, attitudes of community health volunteers, and opinions of nurses in health center (HC) and administrative authorities towards the use of mobile phones for MNCH surveillance in the rural Kenge Health Zone (KHZ) in the DRC
We analyzed them to highlight the main themes, we carried out a thematic analysis based on each of these themes: 1) general knowledge of the community-based under-five children healthcare services required and community’s seeking behavior towards these services; 2) community’s practices regarding the seeking behavior for health services for under-five children; 3) community’s attitude towards the mobile phone use and collection of MNCH data, their analysis and use to inform corrective activities; 4) community’s participation in mobile phone data collection, analysis, and use activities; and 5) community’s expectations regarding data collection on the MNCH at the household level
Summary
In early 2016, we implemented a community-based maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) surveillance using mobile phones to collect, analyze, and use data by village health volunteers (VHV) in Kenge Health Zone (KHZ), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Ministry of Health has recently launched a national child survival acceleration plan 2013–2016 with integrated community case management (iCCM), as a major strategy for scaling up life-saving child survival interventions [4] This plan promotes four main strategic shifts; one of which is community engagement in creating demand and utilizing child survival interventions through the reactivation of local village health committees (VHV) called, “Cellules d’Animation Communautaire”. These VHVs are volunteers who conduct head-counts and regularly update vital statistics; control usage of insecticide-impregnated bed nets and manage cases of fever (malaria) with ACTs; assess respiratory infections through respiratory rate timers; administer amoxicillin; distribute and replenish family kits of Oral rehydration serum, zinc, and sprinkles; and promote key family practices for children under 5 years of age. These reports are either verbal or written on piece of paper
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