Effect of mobile phone messaging on uptake of maternal and child health service in southern Ethiopia: Protocol for cluster randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Over the last two decades, there have been some efforts to improve maternal and child health around the globe. However, the efforts are still lacking longstanding outcomes. Lack of awareness and access to information for decision-making has been an obstacle for women, especially in developing countries. This study aims to find potential strategies to improve maternal and child health using mHealth in Ethiopia to enhance service uptake and future decisions. Methods: This study applies cluster randomized controlled trials to test if mobile phone (mHealth) text messages can improve the uptaking of postpartum family planning and child feeding practices such as prelacteal feeding, initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding. Repeated data collections during the first and fifth months enhance understanding of child feeding practice and its improvement compared to baseline information. It can also help to understand postpartum family planning practices among mothers. The sample size includes 672 mothers who are in the third trimester, have access to a mobile phone, can use mobile phones, and can read and understand text messages. Multilevel logistic regression, generalized estimation equation, and survival analysis are the models for final analysis. The models enable us to determine the percentage differences between baseline and intervention groups. Ethics: The team has collected ethical clearance to conduct the study from the Arba Minch University Board of Institutional Ethical Review. Dissemination: As part of open science communication, the team is committed to publishing the protocol, procedures, findings of the trial, and then the data. Trial registration number: PACTR202211547107725 Pan African Clinical Trial Registry.