PERSPECTIVES ON THE PROPER USE OF MOBILE HEALTH (MHEALTH) TOOLS FOR LIFELONG WELLNESS AMONG WOMEN IN ZAMFARA STATE HOSPITALS
1 Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2 epartment of Human Kinetics and Health Education, National Open University, Nigeria
3 Information Communication and Technology Department, Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, Abuja.
* Corresponding author: mubfta@gmail.com
2 epartment of Human Kinetics and Health Education, National Open University, Nigeria
3 Information Communication and Technology Department, Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, Abuja.
* Corresponding author: mubfta@gmail.com
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer promising solutions to address persistent health disparities andimprove lifelong wellness among women in Zamfara State, Nigeria. This paper explores perspectives on theproper use of mHealth tools within hospital settings, drawing on a conceptual framework that highlights therole of technology in expanding access, enhancing health education, and strengthening care continuity. Itexamines the Nigerian mHealth context, including the adoption of SMS reminders, teleconsultation platforms,and mobile education services within the broader policy and regulatory landscape. The paper analyseswomen's health needs in Zamfara State, with particular attention to maternal and reproductive healthchallenges, chronic disease management, health literacy barriers, and socio-cultural considerations that shapecare-seeking behaviours. It reviews practical applications of mHealth tools in local hospitals, such as patienteducation campaigns, appointment scheduling, remote consultations, and monitoring of maternal healthindicators. The analysis highlights the benefits of proper mHealth use in improving access to services,promoting knowledge and behaviour change, reducing maternal and child mortality, and supporting continuityof care. Despite these benefits, significant challenges and barriers persist, including infrastructural limitations,low digital literacy among women and health workers, privacy and data protection concerns, and socio-culturalresistance. The paper concludes by underscoring the need for targeted strategies such as training and capacitybuilding, community engagement, infrastructure strengthening, and policy development to ensure effectiveimplementation. Recommendations emphasise collaborative efforts among government agencies, hospitals,telecommunications providers, and local communities to build an enabling environment for sustainablemHealth integration that advances women’s health and wellness in Zamfara State.
Keywords
mHealth
hospital
lifelong wellness
women
maternal health
reproductive health.
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How to Cite
UMAR, M., JANGEBE, M. M., & BABANGIDA, Y. (2025). PERSPECTIVES ON THE PROPER USE OF MOBILE HEALTH (MHEALTH) TOOLS FOR LIFELONG WELLNESS AMONG WOMEN IN ZAMFARA STATE HOSPITALS. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 20(2), 72-78.
M. UMAR, M. M. JANGEBE, and Y. BABANGIDA, "PERSPECTIVES ON THE PROPER USE OF MOBILE HEALTH (MHEALTH) TOOLS FOR LIFELONG WELLNESS AMONG WOMEN IN ZAMFARA STATE HOSPITALS," Journal of Educational Research and Development, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 72-78, December 2025.