Knowledge and Use of Mobile HealthApplications in Family Planning amongMarried Undergraduate Women atChukwuemeka Odumegwu OjukwuUniversity (COOU), Igbariam, AnambraState
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This study examined the knowledge, use, types and satisfaction associated with mHealth applications for family planning among married female undergraduates at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the study employed a quantitative survey design. Using purposive and snowball sampling, data were collected from 121 married female undergraduates through an online questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings showed a moderate level of knowledge of mHealth applications for family planning, with an average correct-response rate of 55.8% across the six knowledge items. Knowledge was highest regarding the provision of sexual and reproductive health education (62.0%) and menstrual-cycle tracking and fertileday prediction (60.3%), but lowest regarding connection to nearby health services (48.8%). Regarding extent of use, 49.6% reported using mHealth applications sometimes, 28.9% often, 5.0% always, while 16.6% used them rarely or not at all. Flo Period & Ovulation Tracker was the most frequently reported application (45.5%), followed by Clue (16.5%) and Ovia Fertility (12.4%). Satisfaction was generally favourable regarding information accuracy (70.2%), ease of navigation (67.8%), reminders and alerts(66.1%), and perceived control over family-planning decisions (68.6%), while 66.9% reported overall satisfaction. However, satisfaction with personal and health-data security was substantially lower, with only 24.8% satisfied or very satisfied and 50.4% dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. The study concludes that mHealth applications have gained some level of awareness and use among married female undergraduates at COOU, but gaps in knowledge and concerns about data security may constrain sustained engagement. The study recommends improved user education, culturally and contextually relevant family-planning content, and stronger privacy and data-security safeguards in mHealth applications.
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