Authors :
Damilola Egbewole; Chioma Udoamaka Okerulu; Olamide Awoyemi; Ayobami Abiola Balogun; Fadhilu Ajolayo Adejare
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/nhdehzeb
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun1778
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Abstract :
In conflict-affected regions such as Benue State, Nigeria, access to maternal healthcare remains critically
compromised, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs). This study evaluates the effectiveness of mobile
health clinics in delivering antenatal and postnatal care services to women in these vulnerable populations. Employing a
mixed-methods approach, we conducted surveys with 300 displaced pregnant and postpartum women and in-depth
interviews with healthcare providers and community leaders. The findings reveal that mobile health clinics significantly
improved access to essential maternal services, including routine check-ups, skilled birth attendance referrals,
immunizations, and health education. Additionally, the intervention reduced maternal complications and improved birth
outcomes, particularly where traditional health facilities were inaccessible due to insecurity. However, challenges such as
inconsistent funding, limited medical supplies, and cultural barriers persisted. This study underscores the potential of mobile
health interventions to bridge critical gaps in maternal healthcare delivery in conflict settings and recommends policy
integration and long-term investment to ensure sustainability.
Keywords :
Mobile Health Clinics, Antenatal Care, Postnatal Care, Internally Displaced Persons, Conflict Settings, Maternal Health, Benue State, Nigeria, Health Access, Humanitarian Interventions.
References :
- Adejumo, O., & Musa, K. (2023). Challenges to accessing antenatal and postnatal care in IDP camps in Nigeria. African Health Sciences, 23(1), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i1.6
- Atnafu, A., Otto, K., & Herbst, C. H. (2017). The role of mHealth intervention on maternal and child health service delivery: Findings from a randomized controlled field trial in rural Ethiopia. mHealth, 3, 39. https://doi.org/10.21037/mhealth.2017.08.04
- Fedha, T. (2014). Impact of mobile telephone on maternal health service care: A case of Njoro division. International Journal of Science and Research, 3(5), 2319–7064. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.12562.45765
- Hernandez-Green, N., Okoye, T., & Bassey, A. (2024). Mothers’ experiences with mHealth intervention for postnatal care in Nigeria: A qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24, 113. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-05849-9
- Iledare, A. M., Awoyemi, O., Ayodeji, A. S., Adejare, F. A., Alabi, D. O., Okerulu, C. U., & Nsa, L. E. (2025). Local health programs and their impact on pregnancy-related deaths in developing nations: Analysis of successful approaches and implementation barriers. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may847
- Lund, S., Hemed, M., Nielsen, B. B., Said, A., Said, K., Makungu, M. H., & Rasch, V. (2014). Mobile phones improve antenatal care attendance in Zanzibar: A cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 14, 29. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-14-29
- Olajubu, A. O., Odetola, T. D., & Osungbade, K. O. (2020). Effectiveness of a mobile health intervention on uptake of recommended postnatal care services in Nigeria. PLoS ONE, 15(8), e0238911. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238911
- Okiki, O. A., & Omi, A. A. (2022). Displacement, maternal health, and healthcare access: Challenges for internally displaced women in Benue State. Journal of Global Health Reports, 6, e2022046. https://doi.org/10.29392/001c.32583
- Sondaal, S. F., Browne, J. L., Amoakoh-Coleman, M., Borgstein, A., Miltenburg, A. S., Verwijs, M., & Klipstein-Grobusch, K. (2016). Assessing the effect of mHealth interventions in improving maternal and neonatal care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS ONE, 11(5), e0154664. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154664
- Tchalabi, A., Idrissa, A., & Ali, M. (2024). Mobile outreach clinics and maternal care delivery in vulnerable populations of the Diffa Region, Niger. International Journal for Equity in Health, 23, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-024-02043-2
- World Health Organization. (2017). Health Resources Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS): Nigeria 2017 Annual Report. WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241512785
In conflict-affected regions such as Benue State, Nigeria, access to maternal healthcare remains critically
compromised, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs). This study evaluates the effectiveness of mobile
health clinics in delivering antenatal and postnatal care services to women in these vulnerable populations. Employing a
mixed-methods approach, we conducted surveys with 300 displaced pregnant and postpartum women and in-depth
interviews with healthcare providers and community leaders. The findings reveal that mobile health clinics significantly
improved access to essential maternal services, including routine check-ups, skilled birth attendance referrals,
immunizations, and health education. Additionally, the intervention reduced maternal complications and improved birth
outcomes, particularly where traditional health facilities were inaccessible due to insecurity. However, challenges such as
inconsistent funding, limited medical supplies, and cultural barriers persisted. This study underscores the potential of mobile
health interventions to bridge critical gaps in maternal healthcare delivery in conflict settings and recommends policy
integration and long-term investment to ensure sustainability.
Keywords :
Mobile Health Clinics, Antenatal Care, Postnatal Care, Internally Displaced Persons, Conflict Settings, Maternal Health, Benue State, Nigeria, Health Access, Humanitarian Interventions.