AWARENESS, MOTIVATIONS AND USAGE CHALLENGES OF MOBILE HEALTH APPLICATIONS AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Globally, digital technologies are increasingly becoming key enablers of new forms of service delivery in every sector of society, including the healthcare industry. Anchored on diffusion of innovations theory, this study investigates awareness, motivations and usage challenges of mobile health applications among civil servants in Anambra State, Nigeria. A convergent parallel design, a mixed-methods approach encompassing surveys and in-depth interviews, was adopted. A sample size of 378 civil servants from 37 ministries, departments, and agencies was determined using Cochran’s formula, but only 370 responses were returned and analysed. Quantitative data were obtained using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were collected from (n=10) purposively selected participants, using in-depth interviews. Quantitative data analyses adopted descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Survey findings showed that civil servants in Anambra State are fairly aware of m-health apps and motivated to use them for healthcare services, based on their perceived usefulness and ease in meeting users’ healthcare needs. In-depth interviews revealed a higher degree of awareness and additional motivations, such as the ability of m-health apps to help users keep health records. Limited technical skills and knowledge of m-health app procedures, poor internet connectivity, rising data subscription costs, and concerns about data privacy were identified as barriers. We conclude that civil servants in Anambra State recognise the potential of m-health apps for improving healthcare access and recommend supportive health policies, targeted marketing campaigns, the development of secure apps, and enhanced digital skills to increase awareness and motivation.