An Evaluation of Toto-health Mobile Phone Platform on Maternal and Child Health Care in Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate Toto Health mobile phone platform’s performance on maternal and child health care in Kenya. The following objectives guided this study: To find out the type of information that expectant mothers access on the Toto Health mobile phone platform; to assess how expectant mothers use the information received from the Toto Health mobile phone platform; to investigate the ways in which Toto Health mobile phone platform has improved the lives of expectant mothers and children below five years. The Health Belief Model constituted the theoretical framework. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample size for this study was 36 mothers living in Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums who were selected using purposive sampling technique. The study used qualitative research approach. Data was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Interview schedules and focus group guides were the main data collection tools. Data was analysed thematically and presented in narrative form. From the research findings, it emerged that the Toto Health mobile phone platform provides the following information to pregnant mothers and parents of children under five years; antenatal care, healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, child development and stimulation, breastfeeding/nutrition, reproductive health, postnatal care, clinic dates and immunisation reminders, parenting and hygiene. The study concludes that Toto Health mobile phone platform provides useful information to pregnant mothers and parents of children who are less than five years, and has greatly improved the lives of the end users. The study further concludes that Toto Health mobile phone platform plays a huge role in reducing maternal and child deaths not just in low income areas but among the middle class as well. The study recommends that future developers of communication interventions on maternal and child care focus not only on the women but men as well. The study recommends that mobile phone platform innovators incorporate aspects that show a personal touch to their users.