Promoting access to COVID-19 Information by underserved communities through the development of a mHealth app

Abstract

Mobile health (mHealth) apps are transforming healthcare in rural and remote communities worldwide. Rural communities in Zimbabwe have limited access to information that affects their health, economic and social being due to structural and social barriers related to the inaccessibility of traditional media. mHealth apps are a valuable tool for diagnosis, monitoring disease outbreaks and providing preventative information to the public. This study demonstrates the utility of a mHealth app prototype developed to enhance access to COVID-19 information in rural and remote communities in Zimbabwe. The prototype provides COVID-19 information such as national statistics, preventative measures, self-diagnostics, social distancing, and general hygiene to rural communities with limited access to official information channels on the pandemic. A design science research methodology was used to develop the mHealth app to fulfil the study’s objectives. Thirty potential users participated in the evaluation of the prototype. The evaluation results show that potential users perceived the prototype as useful, engaging, easy to learn, well designed, and providing relevant information. A strong correlation was observed between the design, engagement, functionality, and learnability. More widespread usability and more representative tests should be conducted to ascertain the efficacy and usability of the app. The study contributes literature on app development and usability studies in developing countries. The paper provides a baseline for developing related health information apps. Policymakers, health practitioners, technologists, and scholars can further investigate the deployment of digital technologies to improve healthcare and control the transmission and spread of COVID-19.

Keywords:

• index terms
• health information
• healthcare
• design science research
• mhealth
• COVID-19

Public Interest Statement

Rural communities in Zimbabwe face structural and social barriers related to the inaccessibility of traditional media, limiting access to healthcare information related to healthcare and economic well-being. The study demonstrates the development and utility of a mHealth app prototype in enhancing access to COVID-19 information in rural and remote communities. The app prototype provides COVID-19-related information such as national statistics, preventative measures, self-diagnostics, social distancing, and general hygiene. A design science research methodology was used to develop the mHealth app to fulfil the study’s objectives. An iterative user-centred design process was used involving community members. The evaluation results show that potential users perceived the prototype as useful, engaging, easy to learn, well designed, and providing relevant information. A strong correlation was observed between the design, engagement, functionality, and learnability. The paper provides a baseline for further investigation and improvement of digital technologies for controlling the transmission and spread of COVID-19.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank all participants who participated in the design and evaluation of the artefact.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author received no financial support for the research, authorship, and publication of this article.

Notes on contributors

Vusumuzi Maphosa

Vusumuzi Maphosa obtained his PhD in Information Systems and Technology from the University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN), South Africa. Currently he is working as the Director for the ICTS Department at the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe. He has extensive experience in leading knowledge management and ICT-based interventions in public, private and voluntary-based organisations. His research interests include ICT4D, educational technology, Industry 4.0, data mining, artificial intelligence, semantic webs and e-governance.