PERSPECTIVES ON THE PROPER USE OF MOBILE HEALTH (MHEALTH) TOOLS FOR LIFELONG WELLNESS AMONG WOMEN IN ZAMFARA STATE HOSPITALS

Abstract

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer promising solutions to address persistent health disparities and improve lifelong wellness among women in Zamfara State, Nigeria. This paper explores perspectives on the proper use of mHealth tools within hospital settings, drawing on a conceptual framework that highlights the role of technology in expanding access, enhancing health education, and strengthening care continuity. It examines 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 analyses women's health needs in Zamfara State, with particular attention to maternal and reproductive health challenges, chronic disease management, health literacy barriers, and socio-cultural considerations that shape care-seeking behaviours. It reviews practical applications of mHealth tools in local hospitals, such as patient education campaigns, appointment scheduling, remote consultations, and monitoring of maternal health indicators. 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 continuity of 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-cultural resistance. The paper concludes by underscoring the need for targeted strategies such as training and capacity building, community engagement, infrastructure strengthening, and policy development to ensure effective implementation. Recommendations emphasise collaborative efforts among government agencies, hospitals, telecommunications providers, and local communities to build an enabling environment for sustainable mHealth integration that advances women’s health and wellness in Zamfara State