Utilizing Mobile Health Technology at the Bottom of the Pyramid

Among the Millennium Development Goals, MDG 5 Maternal Health has as its dual objectives: (a) reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio; and (b) achieve universal access to reproductive health. Existing maternal health survey instruments were evaluated, modified, adapted, and used to assess perceptions and practices by mothers in villages located in the state of Gujarat in western India as well as women residing in urban Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Women who had recently given birth were asked a series of questions regarding maternal attitudes and behaviors before, during, and shortly after pregnancy including basic health data (i.e., height and weight), basic health care data (i.e., antenatal, delivery, and postnatal visits by health care professionals), and basic reproductive health practices (i.e., the knowledge of, use, and availability of birth control methods). The results from the surveys will ultimately be used to assess the efficacy of an IT- based intervention wherein pregnant moms will register with an SMS text message thereafter receiving reminders about health, simple questions, and follow-up to improve health outcomes during and immediately following pregnancy.