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Reproductive Health
Published in: Reproductive Health 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Study protocol

Study protocol: using a mobile phone-based application to increase awareness and uptake of sexual and reproductive health services among the youth in Uganda. A randomized controlled trial

Authors: Elly Nuwamanya, Afra Nuwasiima, Janet U. Babigumira, Francis T. Asiimwe, Solomon J. Lubinga, Joseph B. Babigumira

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Several cost-effective programs are being implemented around the world that use mobile technology to improve Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) uptake and awareness among youth. Mobile phone applications are a viable and effective means of increasing access to SRH services and tools in low and middle-income countries. This paper presents a protocol for a pilot study of a novel program, a mobile phone-based sexual and reproductive health services awareness and delivery application with the objective of increasing the demand for SRH services amongst the youth in Uganda.

Methods

The study employs rigorous evaluation methods to ascertain the impact of the mobile application. We propose a randomized control trial study to determine the causal effect of the mobile phone app in creating awareness and increasing uptake of sexual and reproductive health services in Uganda. The main outcome of the impact evaluation is the percentage change in the SRH services and tools uptake, SRH knowledge and sexual behavior. We will also conduct a model-based incremental cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and budget impact analysis (BIA). The main outcomes of the economic evaluation will be the average cost per app user, cost per app service and tool provided. We will also test the in-app advertising model as a way to generate revenue to sustain the program subsidies and related costs.

Discussion

The study seeks to establish the proof of concept of using a mobile application to increase create awareness and increase uptake of SRH tools and services among youth in Uganda. The study results will lead to the development of a demand-driven, culturally-relevant, and easy-to-use mobile app to enhance the uptake of SRH services among the youth in Uganda and globally.

Trial registration

MUREC1/​7 No.​ 07/​05–18. Registered 29th June 2018.
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Metadata
Title
Study protocol: using a mobile phone-based application to increase awareness and uptake of sexual and reproductive health services among the youth in Uganda. A randomized controlled trial
Authors
Elly Nuwamanya
Afra Nuwasiima
Janet U. Babigumira
Francis T. Asiimwe
Solomon J. Lubinga
Joseph B. Babigumira
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-018-0642-0

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