ICT Uptake as a Determinant of Antenatal Care Utilization in Uganda

Abstract

Few studies have investigated information and communication technologies (ICTs) as determinants of ANC utilization, yet ICTs in health can improve patient outcome, tackle health systems challenges, and improve client-to-provider relationship. A cross-sectional design using both quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches was used to ascertain whether ICT uptake can determine ANC utilization. Women aged 18-50 years who were pregnant had given birth two years preceding the survey and who had at least a primary school education participated in this study. Data was analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square and descriptive discriminant analysis. Results from this study suggest an association between ICT uptake and ANC utilization (χ2 = 19.3, ρ <0.001) and a statistically significant relationship between the discriminant function and the grouping variable at p=.012 (Wilks's ᴧ = .822; χ2 = 28.62 (14df), p&lt;0.05, valid n = 164). Control measures and interventions should be geared towards integrating ICTs in women's routine antenatal care practices.