Strengthening home-based postnatal care of rural area of two districts of Haryana using mobile phone technology: A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Home-based postnatal care (HBPNC) plays an important role in improving the survival of mothers and newborns by complementing facility-based care. In India, HBPNC was initiated in 2011 under National Rural Health Mission, but the coverage and quality of postnatal care still remain a challenge. In the present study, we describe the methodology used in strengthening the existing HBPNC by utilizing mobile phone technology. Material & Methods: The study was conducted in the rural population of two districts of Haryana in collaboration with the National Health Mission Haryana and Survival for Women and Children (SWACH) foundation. The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in the study area were provided a mobile phone and training related to the use of mobile technology, their roles, responsibility, and the information to be shared through phone and its purpose. Results: Along with providing home-based post-partum care, a total of 120,654 births (from May 2015 to August 2019) with detailed outcomes of pregnancy have been reported to SWACH. Population-based birth defect surveillance, stillbirth surveillance, and investigation of neonatal deaths are being done successfully using the same platform. Deaths are also being investigated by verbal autopsy. Age- and stage-specific participatory learning groups for action have been created on mobile phones for pregnant women, postnatal mothers to provide support, and interactive education to improve the maternal, newborn, and child health. Conclusion: It is feasible to strengthen the existing HBPNC with mobile phone technology to improve maternal and child health further. Vital events can be captured on an ongoing basis through ASHA as a key informant.

Keywords

• home-based postnatal care
• maternal mortality
• neonatal mortality
• stillbirth