Going the extra mile: Developing an interactive mobile application for maternal and infant care for tribal birth...

Mobile health applications are an established tool for healthcare management, patient education, and even capacity building for healthcare providers. However, its use among traditional birth attendants (TBAs) is limited. The aim of this study is to explore the needs and bottlenecks of developing an interactive mobile application for maternal and infant care (MAI) of TBAs.

It is a qualitative study having in-depth interviews (face-to-face approach) conducted among the seekers of MAI services. Setting: This study is conducted in tribal and rural locations in the district Sirohi, Rajasthan. Participants: TBAs and tribal females of reproductive age in tribal-dominated areas have participated. The development of an interactive mobile application MAI has three phases: (1) a need-based approach to identify the needs on the ground; (2) identifying intervention bottlenecks and possible solutions; (3) design and development of the mobile application.

Ninety-six tribal females of reproductive age participated in the needs assessment. Eighty percent of them were ≤ 30 years of age and 40% of them were uneducated. Most participants informed that lack of information (culturally/locally appropriate content), peer advocacy, affordability, lack of transportation, and the influence of TBAs are the significant factors for less uptake of maternity and child health services in the tribal and rural areas.

The MAI app has culturally/locally appropriate content and is prepared by the local TBAs and Accredited Social Health Activists, with full local character and clothing. MAI app has videos and audio in the local language (Marwari) with pictorial quizzes. Using the MAI app, TBAs may self-educate and guide tribal pregnant women about maternal hygiene and infant healthcare as needed at various stages of pregnancy and childbirth.