Efficacy of a Mobile Health Intervention on Breastfeeding Practices and Neonatal Health Outcomes

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 5, May 2026 | pp. 22–30

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000135

Original Research Article

Title: Efficacy of a Mobile Health Intervention on Breastfeeding Practices and Neonatal Health Outcomes

Names of Authors: Grace M. Mwangi¹, Sarah L. Tetteh²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Nursing, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; ²Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Abstract:
Suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices remain a significant driver of infant morbidity and mortality across Sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the efficacy of an automated text-messaging mobile health (mHealth) intervention on EBF rates and neonatal outcomes among semi-urban mothers. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 220 pregnant women recruited during their third trimester. The intervention group (n = 110) received three weekly SMS text messages covering breastfeeding techniques and infant care up to 12 weeks postpartum, while the control group (n = 110) received standard routine care. Data were collected via telephone interviews at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for data analysis. At 12 weeks postpartum, the exclusive breastfeeding rate was significantly higher in the mHealth intervention group compared to the control group (74.5% vs 51.8%; p < 0.005). Infants in the intervention group had fewer reported episodes of diarrheal illness (4.5% vs 13.6%; p < 0.05) and fewer unplanned clinic visits. Automated, culturally tailored mHealth interventions provide an accessible, low-cost strategy to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices and enhance early neonatal health outcomes in resource-constrained environments.

Keywords: mHealth; Mobile Health; Exclusive Breastfeeding; Neonatal Health; Maternal Support; Randomized Controlled Trial.

Manuscript Timeline: Received February 02, 2026; Revised April 05, 2026; Accepted April 22, 2026; Published May 18, 2026.

Citation: Mwangi, G. M., & Tetteh, S. L. (2026). Efficacy of a Mobile Health Intervention on Breastfeeding Practices and Neonatal Health Outcomes. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(5), 22–30.

Subscribe to read the full article: https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/subscribe-to-read