Health consumers’ use of mHealth applications in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Mobile health (mHealth) applications are transforming healthcare delivery by enhancing access, reducing costs, and supporting remote health management. Despite growing global interest and adoption, awareness and utilisation of mHealth in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, remain unclear. This study aimed to scientifically assess the level of awareness and utilisation of mHealth applications among patients who use the Ho Teaching Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among 232 patients at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Systematic random sampling was utilised. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using Stata version 17. Descriptive statistics, Chi-test, Fisher’s exact and logistic regression were employed to assess associations between sociodemographic variables and mHealth awareness, perception and usage. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. The majority of respondents were females 143 (61.6%), with a substantial proportion owning smartphones 162 (69.8%). Further, it was revealed that most 127(54.7%) of the respondents were unaware of mobile health (mHealth) apps. Over half of the respondents 123(53%) had a good perception of mHealth apps. A minority 79(34.1%) of the respondents had used mHealth apps, primarily for 56(53.3%) fitness tracking. The study found that awareness of mHealth applications was significantly associated with age, sex, education, occupation, and smartphone ownership. Perception of mHealth apps was predicted by sex, religion, education, smartphone ownership and awareness, while usage was significantly associated with various demographic factors, including age, marital status, ethnicity, education, occupation, and smartphone ownership. Despite high smartphone ownership, awareness and use of mHealth apps among patients at the Ho Teaching Hospital remain low. Targeted awareness campaigns and user education, especially among ethnic and religious groups, older, less-educated populations and smartphone owners, are essential to enhance adoption and optimise health outcomes through mHealth in Ghana.