Women using mobile phone for health communication are more likely to skilled use prenatal and postnatal services in Bangladesh

Public health system in Bangladesh has been struggling to coverage and the utilisation of basic maternal healthcare services in pursuit of achieving maternal and child mortality related goals. Interestingly, the rapid popularization of mobile technology in the country is transforming the landscape of health care access and delivery. However, little is known regarding the use of mobile phones from the perspective of maternal healthcare service utlisation. In this study, we aim to investigate: 1) the prevalence and sociodemographic pattern of mobile phone use for health services among women, and 2) whether use of mobile for has any influence on the uptake of essential maternal health services (MHS). Methods: Cross-sectional data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey on 4494 mothers aged between 15-39 years were used in the analysis. Using mobile phone to get health services/advice was hypothesised to have a positive association with the uptake of basic MHS (Antenatal care, facility delivery services, postnatal care) and postnatal care for the newborn. Data were analysed by bivariate and multivariable techniques. Results More than a quarter (28%, 95%CI=26.8-30.3) of the women aged 15-39 years reported using mobile phone to get health services, with significant sociodemographic variations in the use of mobile phones. Analysis of the specific purposes revealed that in most cases phones are used to consult with the providers about what to do and contact service providers, while a smaller proportion for the purposes of arranging money and transportation. In the multivariable analysis, compared with respondents who reported not using mobile phones for healthcare services, those who used had higher odds of making 3+ ANC visits and delivering at a health facility. The odds were slightly higher for rural residents compared with those in the urban areas. Conclusion Findings of this study conclude that women who are using mobile phones are more likely to use antenatal and professional delivery services compare with those who does not. More in-depth studies are necessary to confirm the causal relationships between mobile phone use and uptake of maternal healthcare services.