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Digital Technologies and Maternal Healthcare Service Delivery in Rural Communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Agada, Fakumo Timikoru, PhD, Okorie, Nkemakolam, PhD, Abdullahi, Shehu Halidu

Abstract

Poor maternal healthcare service delivery is a major challenge that heightens the rate of maternal mortality among rural women in Bayelsa State. The study explores the role of digital technologies through computer utilisation and ultrasound scanner accessibility in hospitals have improved and contributed to maternal healthcare service delivery in rural communities in Bayelsa State. Survey research design was adopted and the instruments for data collection were in-depth interview and questionnaire. Data from the questionnaire were analyzed using the Statistics for Social Sciences (SPSS), presented in tables. Findings revealed that digital equipment improve maternal healthcare service delivery in rural community by using computers in the management of patients’ file in terms of electronic record keeping and ultrasound scanner in providing pregnancy scan results and enable early determination for cesarean section. It is recommended among others that local government council and Bayelsa State government to jointly provide digital equipment like computers and ultrasound scanners in rural communities.

Keywords

Digital technologies and maternal healthcare

References

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