Determining the potential of mobilephone-based health interventions in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Numerous reviews have reported generally positive outcomes of mobile phone-based health (mHealth) interventions in the sub-Saharan African countries, especially for people with non-communicable diseases. At the same time, the mHealth landscape is burdened by a lack of sustainability. A recently published review has identified several context factors that influence the successful implementation of mHealth. Therefore, the aim is to use these contextual factors to assess the potential for mHealth in a particular clinical setting. Design: The study used a cross-sectional, descriptive design. Setting: The clinical setting of the study was the ‘Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’ in Kumasi, Ghana. Participants: 150 patients attending the diabetes clinic were surveyed. Main outcome measures: Context factors that influence the perceived usefulness and ease of use of mHealth. Results: The survey revealed that patients at the diabetes centre had a positive attitude towards mobile phones, but also a low familiarity. Whereas patients faced several access barriers to care, most enabling resources for the successful and sustainable implementation of mHealth interventions such as access to mobile phones and electricity were available. Conclusions: There is a high potential for mHealth in the setting of the diabetes clinic in Kumasi, Ghana.