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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
From phones to frontlines: A qualitative exploration of healthcare providers’ perceptions on mHealth feasibility for antenatal care in rural Pakistan
1
Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Karachi, Pakistan
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A536
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Maternal mortality remains a major public health concern in Pakistan, with a significant number of deaths preventable through timely antenatal care (ANC). In rural settings, limited access to skilled care highlights the need for innovative solutions. Mobile health (mHealth) has shown promise in improving ANC coverage globally, yet its feasibility in rural Pakistan remains underexplored.
OBJECTIVES:
This study explored the perceptions of Community Midwives (CMWs) and Lady Health Workers (LHWs) on the feasibility of using mHealth to improve antenatal care in a rural district of Pakistan.
METHODS:
A qualitative descriptive design was employed using three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 participants (8 CMWs and 14 LHWs) in Tando Allah Yar, a rural district in Sindh, Pakistan. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide, transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically following Creswell’s qualitative data analysis framework. Ethical approvals were obtained from the Aga Khan University ethical review committee and written informed consent was obtained.
RESULTS:
Two overarching themes emerged: (1) familiarity with mobile technology and (2) foreseeing challenges yet demonstrating willingness. Participants commonly used phones for communication, learning, and referrals. Despite minimal prior exposure to mHealth tools, they expressed strong willingness to adopt such innovations. Anticipated barriers included poor smartphone access, limited digital literacy, weak internet connectivity, language issues, cultural stigma, and strained inter-cadre collaboration. Nevertheless, participants recognized the potential benefits of mHealth in improving ANC coverage, maternal health outcomes, and coordination between providers.
CONCLUSIONS:
While community health workers in rural Pakistan see the value in mHealth, implementation must address infrastructure, cultural, and relational barriers. Their openness to using mHealth tools presents a strong foundation for designing inclusive and context-sensitive digital interventions.
KEY MESSAGE:
This study highlights the importance of frontline provider perspectives in shaping digital health strategies aimed at improving ANC in underserved rural settings. Poster session 1 (Group A)
Maternal mortality remains a major public health concern in Pakistan, with a significant number of deaths preventable through timely antenatal care (ANC). In rural settings, limited access to skilled care highlights the need for innovative solutions. Mobile health (mHealth) has shown promise in improving ANC coverage globally, yet its feasibility in rural Pakistan remains underexplored.
OBJECTIVES:
This study explored the perceptions of Community Midwives (CMWs) and Lady Health Workers (LHWs) on the feasibility of using mHealth to improve antenatal care in a rural district of Pakistan.
METHODS:
A qualitative descriptive design was employed using three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 participants (8 CMWs and 14 LHWs) in Tando Allah Yar, a rural district in Sindh, Pakistan. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide, transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically following Creswell’s qualitative data analysis framework. Ethical approvals were obtained from the Aga Khan University ethical review committee and written informed consent was obtained.
RESULTS:
Two overarching themes emerged: (1) familiarity with mobile technology and (2) foreseeing challenges yet demonstrating willingness. Participants commonly used phones for communication, learning, and referrals. Despite minimal prior exposure to mHealth tools, they expressed strong willingness to adopt such innovations. Anticipated barriers included poor smartphone access, limited digital literacy, weak internet connectivity, language issues, cultural stigma, and strained inter-cadre collaboration. Nevertheless, participants recognized the potential benefits of mHealth in improving ANC coverage, maternal health outcomes, and coordination between providers.
CONCLUSIONS:
While community health workers in rural Pakistan see the value in mHealth, implementation must address infrastructure, cultural, and relational barriers. Their openness to using mHealth tools presents a strong foundation for designing inclusive and context-sensitive digital interventions.
KEY MESSAGE:
This study highlights the importance of frontline provider perspectives in shaping digital health strategies aimed at improving ANC in underserved rural settings. Poster session 1 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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