Major Source Of Information Research Articles

Knowledge on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV among Pregnant Women of Damak

The goal of the global intervention is to stop the spread of HIV from an HIV-positive mother to her unborn child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. A significant issue with world health is HIV. In comparison to other age groups, the prevalence of HIV is highest among those who are in reproductive age groups globally. The main method of HIV transmission among children is now mother-to-child transmission.. The main objective of the study is to assess the level of Knowledge on the Prevention of Mother-Child Transmission among Pregnant Women at Damak Hospital. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the ANC clinic of Damak Hospital from June 2 to June 15 in 2019. A complete enumerative sampling technique was used. The total sample size was 80. All the required information was collected through the interview schedule. The interview was taken by an investigator oneself in a face-to-face interview with the pregnant woman. Among 80 respondents, the mean age of the respondent was 25.84 years of which 42.5% were Primigravida and 57.5% of the respondents were Multigravida. Similarly, 37.5% of respondents had higher education and above. Most (76.3%) of respondents mentioned books as the major source of information. Among the studied respondent, 8.8% of the respondents have good knowledge, 58.8% have moderate knowledge and 32.4% have poor knowledge of PMTCT. The level of knowledge was statistically associated with occupation (p=0.04) whereas the level of knowledge was not associated with other socio-demographic variables: age groups, gravida. In this study, respondents have a moderate level of knowledge on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and the level of knowledge was statistically associated with the occupation of respondents.

Representing Gender Equality through Advertisements from the Electronic Media: A Study in Discourse Analysis

Television advertisements play a significant role in shaping societal norms and values, particularly regarding gender roles and expectations. In India, where television is a major source of entertainment and information for many people, the portrayal of gender in television advertisements can significantly impact how gender is perceived and performed in society. This study attempts to understand and define the equality of gender roles in advertising, using select discourse analysis tools, including speech acts, deixis, politeness theory, modality, presuppositions, and vocabulary, to study the interplay of the verbal and visual effects. The study explores select advertisements from Indian media and finds that the theme of gender equality is gradually gaining prominence. The paper attempts to highlight that advertisements play a major role in creating and transforming gender stereotypes in society and in constructing a world of acceptability for those women who want to create their own identities. The study reveals that women now stand up for their rights against the societal norms and play a substantial role in influencing society, whereas men also participate in the tasks that are stereotypically assigned to women. The study also highlights that the verbal language in advertisements supports visuals in the text.

Policy communication in times of public health crisis: Longitudinal network modeling of U.S. politician-health agency interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Severe public crisis such COVID-19 pandemic entail coordinated communication between politicians and public health agencies. The study explores how and why U.S. politicians share messages from health agencies on social media during COVID. Proposing a multi-theoretical, multi-level (MTML) framework to understand the phenomenon, we draw upon the Advocacy Coalition Framework and Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication theory and conceptualize politicians' public health communication as serving the dual functions of policy and risk communication. With bipartite longitudinal network modeling, our analysis finds a fragmented national message-sharing network deprived of central federal leadership and clustered around state-level actors such as local health agencies and state governors. The politicians' party affiliation and positions on COVID-19 policies significantly impacted whether they would help distribute messages from public health agencies. Health agencies' message features such as expression of certainty and use of analytical words also influenced politicians’ message sharing patterns. These findings suggest the pandemic communication is both a policy advocacy and a risk and crisis communication process. This integrated theoretical approach offers explanations of information sharing dynamics between politicians and health agencies, two major information sources for the public.

Climate change perception and adaptation strategies to multiple climatic hazards: Evidence from the northeast of Thailand

Thailand is highly susceptible to climate variability and change, driven by the escalating occurrence of natural hazards. Certain regions of the country, especially in the northeast, continue to endure food insecurity as a consequence of these climatic hazards. While numerous studies have already investigated the interlinkages between natural hazards and food security, there is limited evidence regarding local perceptions of climate change and specific adaptation strategies in this region. Therefore, we conducted a household survey in four districts across the Mahasarakham province in Thailand's northeast, with a total sample size of 400 households, where 80% of the area is outside of the provincial irrigation system. Survey data on climate change perception and adaptation were analysed using descriptive statistics and a series of binary logistic regressions. The results show that over the last 20 years, 96.9% of all farmers perceived changes in climate and that television and radio were the major sources of climate change information. Most of the farmers attempted to adopt agricultural practices, such as buying insurance, borrowing money, or applying for credits and loans (22.4%), followed by increasing the amount of fertilizer usage (18.6%), changing cropping patterns (12.4%), and starting off-farm activities (11.3%). The results of regression modelling show that dependency ratio, geographical location, current engagement in labor and agriculture, knowledge of climate change and global warming, and perceived benefits from new kinds of plants/technologies are the main predictors of adaptation choices. Overall, knowledge of climate change and global warming is more likely to influence the shift to off-farm jobs and activities (OR = 1.55, p < 0.01) and participation in community-based natural resource management activities (OR = 1.90, p < 0.01). In addition, the farmers who already work as laborers are typically more likely to shift to off-farm jobs and off-farm activities (OR = 4.64, p < 0.01) and temporary migration (OR = 20.03, p < 0.01). This evidence may contribute to creating holistic local development plans that could further enhance the economic well-being of the farming households.

High mortality of beetle migrants along the Eastern Mediterranean Flyway

Abstract Migration is costly in terms of increased energy expenditure and exposure to risks encountered en route. These factors can lead to a higher mortality among migrants compared with more sedentary life history stages. Insect migrants are incredibly numerous, but as they are less conspicuous than vertebrate migrants and as migration often occurs at high altitude and over a broad front, it can be difficult to study migration‐related mortality. A major source of information on migration‐related mortality comes from cadavers found on the strandline following unsuccessful sea crossings. Here, we analyse strandline mortality following a 100 km crossing of open ocean along the Eastern Mediterranean Flyway from the Middle East mainland to the island of Cyprus by tens of millions of insects. All strandline recordings were of two species of beetles, the seven‐spot ladybird Coccinella septempunctata and the carabid beetle Calosoma olivieri, whereas only nine individuals of C. septempunctata were caught successfully arriving with the rest of the insect assemblage over the ocean. Major strandings were associated with easterly winds, suggesting origins from the Middle East mainland, with the individuals documented as extremely weak and unable to fly or dead. Our results suggest that beetles are weaker migrants than other members of the migratory insect assemblage, with the sea crossing too far for the great majority to fly, leading to high mortality. The impact of this high mortality on the marine ecosystems is discussed.

Evaluating the Readability and Quality of Online Patient Education Materials for Pediatric ACL Tears.

As the rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears increases in children, the internet has become a major source of information and education. In the United States, the average adult reads at about an eighth grade level. The National Institutes of Health recommends that patient education materials do not exceed a sixth-grade reading level. Therefore, the most accessed resources on the internet should be created with this in mind. The purpose of this study is to assess the readability and quality of online patient resources for pediatric ACL tears. Google was queried using the term "Pediatric ACL Tear" on May 26, 2022. The most popular sites were identified through page one of a Google search. All content was evaluated to assure information was directed toward patients. To determine reading difficulty, the most widely accepted readability tests: Flesch Reading Ease Index, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and Gunning Fog Index were calculated through plain text in Microsoft Word and URL in online readability checker Readable.io. The average grade level for all resources was above the recommended reading level based on both Microsoft Word and Readable.io calculations. Each source exceeded the NIH recommendation by 2.6 grade levels on average (Mean grade level readability was 8.6 ± 1.9). Four of the 6 sites were above the average US reading level, exceeding the eighth grade by an average of 1.5 grade levels. All 6 sites analyzed had a mean DISCERN score of 61.9, meeting the 'good quality' criteria. The most readily available online materials for Pediatric ACL tears were of 'good quality' but above both the NIH-recommended readability level and the average US adult reading level. With the increasing need for treatment of ACL tears in pediatric and adolescent patients and greater internet accessibility in these populations, it is important to consider the readability of these resources in support of increased health literacy and improved outcomes. It is important for physicians treating young patients with ACL tears to be aware of all sources of information and support, including content shared online as these platforms are increasingly utilized, especially by patients and families of lower socioeconomic status.

PERCEPTION OF SOCIAL MEDIA REPORTAGE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG YOUNG PERSONS IN DELTA STATE

Social media was a major source of health information during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Studies have shown that young people in Nigeria use social media mostly for informational and recreational purposes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine how young people in Delta State view health information on COVID-19 posted on social media and how much exposure they had to it. The study used a 384-respondents' sample size and a survey research design. The posed hypothesis was examined utilizing the statistical method of regression analysis. The study founded on media ecology theory thoroughly explored how technology, media, and communication processes affect human perception, feeling, understanding, and value. The study discovered a strong link between young people's perceptions of COVID-19 and their exposure to social media reports on the COVID-19 pandemic in Delta State. It advises the Federal Government and other interested agencies to increase their investment in social media initiatives to properly deal with the problems of inappropriate disseminate of health information to the public rather than attempting to enact laws that will restrict citizens' use of social media.&#x0D; Keywords: Perception, Social Media, COVID-19, Youths, Health Information.

“It should be treated in a better way” – Perceived topovacancy in the participative urban planning

Urban vacant and abandoned land has significant development potential in towns and cities around the world. In this study, we argue that a bottom-up-oriented approach is necessary in order to map urban vacancy. A pilot case study including answers from 133 participants from a small town in Central Europe demonstrates how vacant places can be defined using sketch mapping as a participation technique. The method is based on well-known concepts of topophilia and topophobia. We see the novelty of the paper in two respects: (i) we coin the term perceived topovacancy with regard to urban vacant areas, and (ii) we employ residents' knowledge as the major source of information for spatial definition of such areas. The results revealed important insights into the spatial distribution of the vacant hotspots in the town of Šternberk. They were found not only in former industrial areas but also in the town's center referring to derelict site type of vacancy. The findings are further analyzed based on the residential origin of the participants – natives and non-natives as well.

Assessment of practice of handwashing as Covid-19 preventive measure among medical students of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, (ABSUTH) Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Background: Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a communicable disease which is causing morbidity and mortality globally. Hand washing, wearing of a facemask and social distancing are preventive measures that have been options available in our country, Nigeria. The practice of hand washing includes cleansing of hands by rubbing both hands together using and alcohol-based hand sanitizer or washing both hands with soap and water to prevent microbial growth. Objective: This study aimed at assessing the practice of hand washing as a covid-19 preventive measure amongst medical students of ABSUTH, Aba. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among medical students in ABSUTH, Aba, Abia State, A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was adopted and used to obtain information from the 430 students. Numerical variables were summarized using mean and standard deviation, categorical variables were summarized using frequency and proportions. Association was tested at p-value of 0.05%. Result: There was a non-response rate of 50 (13.8%) as 380 students participated. Mean age of the participants was 24 ± 5.94. Two hundred and eighty-one (73.9%) constituted the majority and was found among the 21 – 25 age range. Female was in majority as 230 (60.5%) of them participated. The level of practice of handwashing was 195 (51.3%). Majority of the students scored above 52% in all the different aspects of handwashing practices and there was statistically significant association between all the hand washing practices and medical students’ participation at a p-value of 0.05%. Conclusion: Medical students showed a good level of practice towards infection and control measures. Social media was major source of information. Some misconceptions were noted regarding minimum duration of handwashing with soap and water and level of practices.

Can a Social Media Application be a Valid Educational Tool for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Patients?

TikTok (ByteDance, Beijing, China) is the fastest growing social media application (SMA) to date and has become a major source of information for medicine. The rising use of media platforms by patients and practitioners alike plays a significant role in the perception of healthcare. The purpose of this study is to identify the presence and popularity of oral and maxillofacial surgery content on the SMA, to measure whether the information shared is useful for viewers, and whether there are differences in quality of the videos between video content producer groups. A cross-sectional study was used to evaluate oral and maxillofacial surgery content on the SMA. Included videos were published during a 3-month period (November 16, 2021 to February 17, 2022) and mentioned "oral surgery" or "wisdom teeth" in the video description, title, or hashtag. The independent variable was video content producer-content created by health professionals versus laypersons. Quality of each video was determined by the information in the video and its usefulness, using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) criteria. Topic was categorized as educational or anecdotal. Popularity was measured by the number of likes accumulated. Statistical analysis was performed using 2-sample t-tests. Statistical significance was achieved with a P value < .05 with 95% confidence interval. Of 558 videos searched, 426 videos met study criteria. GQS score was greater in health professional videos (MHP=3.30) versus layperson videos (ML=2.05) (P<.05). Most video content producers were laypersons (69%) and videos were mostly anecdotal (87%). Health professional videos had greater popularity than layperson videos (P<.05). Health professionals and laypersons averaged 25,148 likes and 2,109 likes, respectively. All videos combined totaled 3,939,685 likes. By analyzing GQS and the popularity of videos, it has shown that health professionals produced higher quality videos along with greater number of likes. With 39% of videos by health professionals being educational, it shows that we are using the SMA to instruct patients. However, there is still room to produce more educational rather than anecdotal videos with the goal to provide accurate information to patients.

A generalized framework to expand incomplete phylogenies using non‐molecular phylogenetic information

AbstractAimThe increasing availability of molecular information has lifted our understanding of species evolutionary relationships to unprecedent levels. However, current estimates of the world's biodiversity suggest that about a fifth of all extant species are yet to be described, and we still lack molecular information for many of the known species. Hence, evolutionary biologists will have to tackle phylogenetic uncertainty for a long time to come. This prospect has urged the development of software to expand phylogenies based on non‐molecular phylogenetic information, and while the available tools provide some valuable features, major drawbacks persist and some of the proposed solutions are hardly generalizable to any group of organisms.InnovationHere, we present a completely generalized and flexible framework to expand incomplete phylogenies. The framework is implemented in the R package “randtip”, a toolkit of functions that was designed to randomly bind phylogenetically uncertain taxa in backbone phylogenies through a fully customizable and automatic procedure that uses taxonomic ranks as a major source of phylogenetic information. Although randtip can generate fully operative phylogenies for any group of organisms using just a list of species and a backbone tree, we stress that the “blind” expansion of phylogenies using “quick‐and‐dirty” approaches often leads to suboptimal solutions. Thus, we discuss a variety of circumstances that may require customizing simulation parameters beyond default settings to optimally expand the trees, including a detailed step‐by‐step tutorial that was designed to provide guidelines to non‐specialist users.Main ConclusionsPhylogenetic uncertainty should be tackled with caution, assessing potential pitfalls and opportunities to optimize parameter space prior to launch any simulation. Used judiciously, our framework will help evolutionary biologists to efficiently expand incomplete phylogenies and thereby account for phylogenetic uncertainty in quantitative analyses.

Implementing corporate sustainability information in socially responsible investing: a systematic review of empirical research

PurposeThis study aims to provide a precise understanding of how corporate sustainability information is used in socially responsible investing (SRI). The study is motivated by the lack of a recognised body of knowledge on this issue. This study, therefore, collates and reviews relevant studies (67 studies) to provide guidance to investors interested in SRI and identify a research agenda for academics desiring to contribute to this area.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducts a systemic literature review employing recognised key words and searching the Web of Science. HistCite is utilised to ensure important cited studies are not missed from the collection. The review was conducted from two perspectives: (1) sources of sustainability information and (2) how the information is used in SRI.FindingsThe review identifies five major sources of sustainability information, including corporate reports, ESG ratings, industry affiliation, news and private communication with firms. These sources of information play different roles in the cross section of SRI strategies (i.e. negative and positive screening, active ownership and integration). This study provides guidance on how to use this information in SRI and provides recommendations for future research on how analysts interact with the information, how different informational characteristics impact implementation, ways to improve data quality, improvements to analysis methods and where data use needs to be extended into new strategies.Originality/valueThis review contributes to the SRI literature by inventorying studies of an important, yet omitted aspect, namely, sustainability information. This work also enriches the literature on corporate sustainability information by investigating how this information can be used for a specific purpose, namely, SRI. Given the increasing interest in SRI, this review will provide much-needed guidance for a range of practitioners, including investors and regulators.

A Brief Overview of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness of Adolescents in Kerala

Background: Adolescence is a critical and challenging period of life. Many adolescents today have patchy knowledge on SRH issues, which may lead to risky decision making concerning their health. Kerala, though one of the most literate states in India, is yet to implement comprehensive sex education. Objectives: To list the sources of information and to study the awareness of adolescents on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues among high school students in Kerala. Materials &amp; Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among 8th, 9th, 10th class students. Multistage random sampling was conducted and a sample size of 338 was achieved. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version-23. Results were explained in terms of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Results: Mean age of the study population was 14.2 ±0.88 years; most of them were females (58%) and followed Christian religion (49%); belonged to urban areas. The major sources of information for adolescents regarding SRH matters like private parts, type of touch, response to sexual assault and menstruation was their mother. When it comes to puberty changes, both mother and teachers were the major sources. Media was the most common source of information regarding Masturbation, sexual contact, pregnancy, contraception, STDs, and sexual abuse. There is wide disparity in the awareness of adolescents on major SRH issues. Conclusions: India has the largest adolescent population, and it is a country known to have strict traditional values and age-old cultures and customs. Adequate information through parents may improve the knowledge on these issues. Age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education must be incorporated into their curriculum effectively to improve their SRH.

Information behavior of undergraduates to preventive measures of corona virus: A post COVID experience

This study was conducted with the primarily purpose of evaluating the information awareness, seeking behavior and use of preventive measures of corona virus. The survey research design of the analytical type and a purposive sampling was adopted for the study. The total sample size for this study was five hundred and thirty-eight (538). The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. A total of 443 (92.7%) copies of questionnaire were returned and found usable. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression statistical tools. The study revealed that respondents were aware that omicron variant of corona virus is a new type of virus. However, majority agreed that the type of genetic materials in corona virus is DNA which contradicts proven studies and research. Findings on information needs of respondents revealed that majority need information on causes, symptoms, test procedures and transmission level of corona virus among others. The result on the sources by which the undergraduates get their information on corona virus revealed that the internet was the major sources of information while library was the least sources of accessing information. Furthermore, findings on the pattern of the use of preventive measures of corona virus information revealed undergraduates utilized the information on corona virus majorly for symptom identification; patient isolation/quarantine procedure and treatment procedure. The result on the regression analysis revealed a significant effect of information sources on attitude to use preventive measures of corona virus. Finally, the result revealed information awareness, needs and use have a significant influence on attitude of undergraduates to preventive measures of the virus. It was concluded that the library was the less consulted source of information related to the corona virus information on health needs. Hence, library should do more in providing accurate and credible health related information to its respective users.

Study of awareness, enrolment, and utilization of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in Gujarat, India

Background: Ayushman Bharat-Pradhanmantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) envisages complete financial protection for around 50 crores of identified poor and vulnerable Indian beneficiaries against their catastrophic health care needs. Awareness is a pre-requisite that ensures enrolment and utilization of any health insurance program. Being a newly implemented scheme, very few studies are reported on the level of awareness, enrolment, and utilization of the AB-PMJAY scheme as well as the sources of information and support to the beneficiaries from Gujarat. So, this study aims to assess the current status of awareness, enrolment, and utilization of AB-PMJAY in Gujarat. Methods: A multi-stage sampling method was used in this cross-sectional study in both rural and urban areas and altogether 1152 households were randomly selected from three districts of Gujarat. Ten trained field investigators collected data with the help of a structured interview schedule. Results: AB-PMJAY is popular in Gujarat, with 24% high-level awareness and 47.8% moderate-level awareness. Out of 1152 households, 82.9% had AB-PMJAY cards, with a 43.3% utilization rate. Factors affecting awareness include area of living, religion, and caste. While 22.9% reported out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure with AB-PMJAY benefits, 15.1% reported non-utilization of their AB-PMJAY cards, despite needed. ASHA workers and Ayushman Mitras were the major sources of information. Conclusions: The reported utilization rate in this study was only 43.3%, despite having impressive awareness and enrolment rates. The OOP costs must be reduced, and the issues that prevented households from using the AB-PMJAY benefits despite their need must be addressed.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Edutainment among Anatomy Educators: A Nigerian Survey

Background: It is well known that education and learning can be linked with lucid, playful and pleasurable experiences. Aim: This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice of edutainment among anatomy educators. Methods: The study was conducted among Anatomy educators in four Colleges of Medicine in South Eastern Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design with a validated structured questionnaire. A total of 34 lecturers (8 females and 24 males) participated in the study. Results: Thirty one (91.2%) of our respondents has heard of edutainment. Their major source of information was from the internet (n=19; 61.3%) followed by conferences (n=9; 29%). Our respondents showed a positive attitude to edutainment. 28 (82.4%) of our respondents said edutainment is not part of their curriculum and 24 (70.6%) of our respondents use edutainment to teach anatomy. Conclusion: Edutainment in anatomy teaching is necessary and will be productive, there is need to complement traditional teaching method (lectures) with edutainment in anatomy teaching in other to increase students’ interest and understanding.

ASSESSMENT OF POST GRADUATE AGRICULTURAL STUDENTS POTENTIALS AS AGENT FOR AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AKURE, NIGERIA

The study focused on postgraduate agricultural student potentials as agent for agricultural technology transfer in Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was administrated to thirty (30) respondents. Analysis of the data was carried out using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentage, and weighed mean score while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to present the results of the hypotheses. It was discovered that mean years of schooling was 16.63 years. Internet and University library were the major sources of information on Agricultural technologies available to respondents. The major problems that could cause loss of interest towards being an agent of agricultural technology transfer was inadequate funding of agricultural extension. Result also revealed that there is significant relationship between years spent in schooling (r=0.819, p=0.000) and the post graduate students potentials as an agent of agricultural technology transfer. The study concluded that Postgraduate Agricultural Students developed high potentials towards transferring of technologies to farmers. The study therefore recommended that policy makers and extension agency should accommodate and make use of Postgraduate Agricultural Students in the transfer of innovations to farmers especially at a time when the country is experiencing decline in Agricultural extension workers.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice related to Tuberculosis among Rural and Urban Community of North India

Tuberculosis is known as one of the long-standing and dominating health problems affecting people and the extent further escalates in a developing country like India. A pre-evaluated feedback structured questionnaire was validated and adopted to get their quantitative data from 424 respondents. In the present study urban respondents (60.8%) gave affirmative responses regarding awareness of TB, especially with mobile media as their major source of information, followed by information from healthcare workers. Rural respondents were less expressed and deficient on knowledge of TB transmission and preventive methods. Prevention practices toward TB are claimed to be high in urban population because 79.48% believed that early diagnosis, prompt treatment and avoiding poor hygiene and crowded environment are effective strategies to cease the transmission of TB. Effective preventive and informative strategies should be employed in rural border areas to make up for the knowledge gap found among rural and urban populations in this study.

Producing confident learners using specific tasks, competent models, and credible messages

ABSTRACT Of his numerous contributions, Albert Bandura’s introduction of the self-efficacy construct is arguably the most notable one. The primary aim of this article is to illustrate why it is so critically important to arm students with strong self-efficacy beliefs and how parents and teachers can achieve that goal. We begin with a brief overview of the self-efficacy construct, describing the unique features that distinguish it from other self-beliefs such as self-concept. We highlight that self-efficacy is an inherently context-specific construct distinct from vague impressions and broad generalizations about one’s competencies, and it is this context-specificity that affords self-efficacy with the unparalleled predictive utility of subsequent achievements. Next, we introduce scientifically validated practices of producing confident learners such as guiding them to appraise their confidence toward specific tasks and goals, exposing them to competent models, and providing them with credible social messages, consistent with Bandura’s tenets on major sources of self-efficacy information.

Mobile health technology in providing maternal health services – Awareness and challenges faced by pregnant women in upper West region of Ghana

ObjectivesThe study assessed awareness on Mobile Health (mhealth) Technology as well as challenges pregnant women encounter in the utilization of mhealth technology to improve maternal health in rural settings in the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana. Study designThe study was an exploratory design that employed the qualitative method of data collection. MethodsSemi-structured interview guide was used to conduct six (6) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and nine (9) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) among pregnant women and health workers respectively from three (3) selected rural districts in the Upper West Region. Data was collected in August 2020. Thematic analysis was conducted and some statements from participants were presented verbatim to illustrate the themes realized. ResultsParticipants were aware of the mhealth intervention that had been implemented by Savanna Signatures in their districts. Major sources of information on the mhealth services were from durbars, health education sessions and health care providers. Challenges faced by pregnant women, in the mhealth technology intervention were; financial challenges, lack of mobile network connectivity, lack of electricity in some rural areas, low female literacy rate at household level and cultural barriers. ConclusionThe Savanna Signatures mhealth intervention is widely known but some challenges exist that impede the smooth implementation of the intervention. The mhealth technology intervention implementers should partner with other sectors and policy makers to address the challenges identified by the study.