Women’S Experiences With Digital Health Service As A Tool For Improving Awareness And Perception On Sexual Reproductive Health And Contraception. A Phenomenography Qualitative Study

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most women within reproductive ages living in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, have limited or no access to education on sexual and reproductive health and contraception, yet about 1.9 billon women in LMICs own a mobile phone. The exposure to digital health services has the potential to contribute to improving awareness, influencing positive perceptions, beliefs and promoting SRH and contraception.AIM: To explore user views and perceptions on the Grace Health’s (a digital health service) ability to improve awareness on sexual reproductive health and contraception among Ghanaian, Nigerian and Kenyan women aged 18-35.METHODOLOGY: A qualitative design using phenomenography to interview women remotely on women’s perception of digital health services through their own experience with using the Grace health chat bot and app. Also, their views were sought on how other women are gaining awareness and impacts on sexual reproductive health and contraception from the digital health services.RESULTS: Seven categories on digital health services emerged, with key findings presented as Safe days, ovulation as contraception, impacts on SRH, Avoiding or seeking pregnancy and influence on perception.CONCLUSION: This qualitative study gives insight for research community, public health professionals, app designers, health care providers, stakeholders and civil society organisations in making decisions regarding the use of digital health service as strategic, innovative instruments for interventions in major key indicators of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.