The Use of Smartphones as Educational Media for Optimizing Maternal and Child Health: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Devi Maya Arista; Nidya Comdeca Nurvitriana; Karunia Wijayanti; Vina Firmanty Mustofa

Authors

Devi Maya Arista Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
Nidya Comdeca Nurvitriana Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
Karunia Wijayanti Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
Vina Firmanty Mustofa Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia

Keywords:

Smartphone, Education, Maternal, Child, Health

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, communication technology shows great potential in exchanging information, including educational interactions for health messages through smartphones. The implementation of this educational communication scope can be a strategy to enhance maternal and child health. Various approaches from different scientific articles necessitate the examination of characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and outcomes in delivering smartphone-based health education. Purpose: This study aims to review the literature of smartphone uses in implementing maternal and infant care practices. Method: This is a qualitative systematic review was conducted in the databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane using a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and relevant keywords: “maternal” OR “mother” OR “pregnant women” AND “child” OR “baby” AND “health education” AND “smartphone” OR “mobile phone” OR “mobile application. Obtained a total of 9 articles for review. Results: This qualitative systematic review discusses 9 articles from several countries and covers 3 main topic themes. These themes included interactive voice response (IVR), direct counseling, and applications (SMS, Social Media, Health Platforms). Conclusion: Based on review, text/SMS messaging on smart phones was better at improving the implementation of maternal and infant care practices

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