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