How WhatsApp is transforming health communication among frontline health workers: a mixed-method study among midwives in India

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.

KEYWORDS:

• WhatsApp
• Community Health Workers
• Health Communication
• Health Personnel

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Devaganesh Kadhuluri

Devaganesh Kadhuluri is an MPH candidate at the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala. He is involved in conception, development of the study, data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation of the article.

Sibasis Hense

Sibasis Hense is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala. He is involved in development of the study, data analysis, and revision of the manuscript.

Prakash Babu Kodali

Prakash Babu Kodali is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala. He supervised the development of the study, data analysis, development of initial draft and revision of the manuscript.

Kavumpurathu Raman Thankappan

Kavumpurathu Raman Thankappan is Professor at the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala. He provided necessary technical inputs, manuscript revision and approval of final submission documents.