학술논문
How WhatsApp is transforming health communication among frontline health workers: a mixed-method study among midwives in India.
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Kadhuluri D; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, India.; Hense S; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, India.; Kodali PB; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, India.; Thankappan KR; Department of Public Health Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.
Source
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101489047 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1753-8076 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17538068 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Commun Healthc Subsets: MEDLINE
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
Background: Limited literature exists in India on WhatsApp use for health communication among frontline health workers like Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM). We conducted this study to assess the adoption of WhatsApp among ANMs and identify factors influencing its adoption. In addition, the study explored the perceptions of ANMs on WhatsApp use for sharing health information.
Methods: We employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. We surveyed 259 ANMs, followed by in-depth interviews with 19 purposively sampled ANMs. We conducted multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with WhatsApp adoption and employed thematic analysis to analyze interviews.
Results: 257 ANMs responded to the survey questionnaire, of which 18.3%, 48.2%, and 33.5% had low, mid, and high levels of WhatsApp adoption, respectively. Education (AOR = 2.87 [95% CI = 1.20-6.85]), motivation (AOR = 6.31 [95% CI = 1.43-27.80]), and technical awareness (AOR = 2.91 [95% CI = 1.11-7.62]) were significantly associated with WhatsApp adoption. Thematic analysis of the interviews resulted in six themes describing perceptions and experiences of ANMs on WhatsApp use. They are: (i) a way of instant communication, (ii) provision for multimedia messaging, (iii) a quick fix tool for queries and concerns, (iv) make attendance and reporting easy (v) a way of reaching higher officials, and (vi) a cost-saving mechanism.
Conclusion: WhatsApp facilitated ANMs' communication and service delivery at the grassroots level. Measures to improve motivation, technical awareness, and digital education will likely improve WhatsApp adoption among health workers.
Methods: We employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. We surveyed 259 ANMs, followed by in-depth interviews with 19 purposively sampled ANMs. We conducted multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with WhatsApp adoption and employed thematic analysis to analyze interviews.
Results: 257 ANMs responded to the survey questionnaire, of which 18.3%, 48.2%, and 33.5% had low, mid, and high levels of WhatsApp adoption, respectively. Education (AOR = 2.87 [95% CI = 1.20-6.85]), motivation (AOR = 6.31 [95% CI = 1.43-27.80]), and technical awareness (AOR = 2.91 [95% CI = 1.11-7.62]) were significantly associated with WhatsApp adoption. Thematic analysis of the interviews resulted in six themes describing perceptions and experiences of ANMs on WhatsApp use. They are: (i) a way of instant communication, (ii) provision for multimedia messaging, (iii) a quick fix tool for queries and concerns, (iv) make attendance and reporting easy (v) a way of reaching higher officials, and (vi) a cost-saving mechanism.
Conclusion: WhatsApp facilitated ANMs' communication and service delivery at the grassroots level. Measures to improve motivation, technical awareness, and digital education will likely improve WhatsApp adoption among health workers.