Effect of Mhealth Intervention on Maternal Health Service Utilization and Birth Outcomes in Northwest Ethiopia: A Two-Site Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention on maternal health service utilization and birth outcomes in Northwest Ethiopia. A two-site non-randomized controlled trial was conducted, comparing an intervention group that received a package of SMS reminders, educational messages, and telephone counseling with a control group receiving standard care. The intervention focused on promoting antenatal care (ANC) visits, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care. Key outcomes measured included the number of ANC visits, institutional delivery, and adverse birth outcomes (e.g., low birth weight, preterm birth). Results indicated that women in the mHealth intervention group had significantly higher rates of completion of at least four ANC visits and institutional deliveries compared to the control group. Additionally, the intervention group experienced a lower incidence of adverse birth outcomes. The study concludes that mHealth interventions are a feasible and effective strategy to improve maternal health service utilization and enhance birth outcomes in low-resource settings like Northwest Ethiopia.