BACKGROUND
During COVID-19, a mobile health (mHealth) application was developed to disseminate evidence-based critical information among health workers, particularly in low-resource settings. The app contained OpenWHO resources on Protective Personal Equipment (PPE).
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of an educational mHealth application in increasing knowledge and improving practices among health workers in low- and middle-income countries regarding the usage of PPE.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted to assess the effectiveness of an educational mHealth application in increasing knowledge and improving practices among health workers in low- and middle-income countries regarding the usage of PPE. While the application was open access, its usage was promoted across Aga Khan Health Services facilities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kenya.
RESULTS
1495 participants consented and responded to the survey. 83.3% of respondents reported an increase in PPE-related knowledge with the effect being highest in Afghanistan (94.1%); males (86.5%) and those working in informal settlements (92.1%) (p-value <0.001). A similar trend was seen in self-reported change in practice in males (87.2%) and place of work (90.2%); with Kenya reporting the highest change in countries. (93.3%) (p-value <0.001). 86.1 % of participants reported satisfaction with the app.
CONCLUSIONS
The app provides a feasible, user-friendly, virtual-learning platform, particularly in resource-constrained areas where opportunities for continued training and education are limited. User satisfaction and self-reported improvement in knowledge and practices suggest it can be a viable capacity-building platform at a low cost.