Effect of mHealth on modifying behavioural risk-factors of hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy in Mezam Division.

Author(s): Nkem Ernest NJUKANG., Thomas Obinchemti EGBE., Nicolas TENDONGFOR., Tah Aldof YOAH., Kah Emmanuel NJI., Martyn SAMA., Fidelis Atabon AKO., Joseph KAMGNO.

Background: The increasing trend of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has placed heavy burden” in low and middle-income (LAMI) countries. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) been one of the NCD remain a major public health problem worldwide, and its prevalence varies from country to country and from institution to institutions. HDP remain a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Mobile phone technology is increasingly viewed as a promising communication channel that can be utilized for primary prevention of NCDs by promoting behaviour change and risk factor modification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mHealth intervention in bringing about changes in behavioural risk factors of HDP in Mezam division.

Methods: It is a “Before and After” Intervention study conducted on over 342 subjects, over a period of seven months ( April - October, 2018) in Mezam division, NWR Cameroon. An mHealth intervention package consisting of weekly text messages and monthly telephone calls addressing lifestyle modification for risk factors of HDP was given to the intervention group , compared to no intervention package in control group . Consecutive sampling was used to recruit participants into the study. Eligibility to partake in the study was the possession of a cellphone.

Results: At baseline, the two groups were similar in terms of socio -demographic characteristics and modifiable behavioural risk factors . At the end of the Intervention Phase , significant improvement was seen in modifiable behavioural risk factors in the intervention group compared to control group. Mean alcohol consumption score decreased from 20.7 to 1.4; P<0.001. Stress decreased from an average of 54.4 to 19.3; P=0.002. High salt intake decreased from an average of 16.4 to 4.3; P=<0.001. Physical activity (MET/min/week) increased from 183.00 to 417.27; P=<0.001. Fru