Community-made mobile videos as a mechanism for maternal, newborn and child  health education in rural Uganda; a qualitative evaluation.

Juliet Ntuulo Mutanda, Peter Waiswa, Sarah Namutamba
1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of
Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda, Correspondence: jnmutanda@musph.ac.ug
2. Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, Makerere University College
of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
3. Uganda Demographic Surveillance Site, Iganga District

Abstract
Introduction:In Uganda, the maternal, newborn and child mortality is highest in rural areas, which are least served by health  services and are also least reached by effective behavior change communication for health. Though maternal and child health  related messages are available, they are still not culture and context specific for effective behaviour change.

Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the feasibility of using locally made videos by local community groups in local languages as  a channel for increasing knowledge, practices, demand and use of maternal and child health messages among women living in  rural communities in Eastern Uganda.

Methods: This paper describes the qualitative findings from a quasi experimental study targeting the rural semi-illiterate populations in hard to reach areas. Videos were developed and implemented based on Ministry of Health. Focus group discussions and  KIs targeted pregnant and post natal mothers. Data transcription and content analysis was done.

Results: Local mobile community videos were effective in communicating knowledge about key maternal and child health messages to both women and their male partners.

Conclusion:Locally made mobile community videos are effective in improving knowledge, attitudes, practices and use of maternal and child health messages among rural semi-illiterate communities.

Keywords: Community-made mobile videos, maternal, newborn, child health education, rural Uganda, a qualitative evaluation