Evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of sending pregnancy and abortion history surveys through SMS text messaging to help reach sustainable development goal 3. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leidich, Aimee; Jayaweera, Ruvani; Arcara, Jennet; Clawson, Shannon; Chalker, Chad; Rochat, Roger
• Is Part Of: International journal of medical informatics. Volume 114(2018)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: SMS -- Text message -- Pregnancy -- Abortion -- Mobile -- Stigma; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; Computers -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Technology, Medical -- Periodicals; Computers; Information science; Medical informatics; Medical technology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.10.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1386-5056

Abstract

Highlights: More accurate and timely information on abortion is needed to address SDG 3. Young Kenyan women are willing to share their abortion stories through SMS surveys. SMS survey data can be collected within 24 h for more timely decision making. Abstract: Introduction: In Kenya, abortion is illegal under most circumstances, yet about 48 abortions per 1, 000 women occurred in 2012. Given the stigma around abortion, little is known about the availability of safe abortion. Thus, we explored the feasibility and acceptability of using SMS mobile surveys to collect information about women's pregnancy and abortion histories in Kenya. Methods: We sent a one-time mobile survey to 500 18–24 year old women who had opted-in to a 16, 000-person mobile survey panel. Women elected to answer questions about pregnancy only (number of pregnancies, number of births, age at first pregnancy) or pregnancy and abortion (ever tried to obtain an abortion and whether medical treatment was sought for any complications). The final question for all survey versions was an open-ended question asking respondents how they felt answering these questions. Results: 356 (71%) responded to the initial survey question and 333 (94%) consented to answer questions about pregnancy. Of these, 233 (70%) agreed to answer questions about just pregnancy and 76 (23%) agreed to answer questions about pregnancy and abortion. Three-quarters of respondents indicated that they had positive or neutral feelings about answering these questions over SMS. Lastly, all data was retrieved within 24 h of survey distribution allowing for immediate analysis and dissemination. Conclusion: Women's willingness to share their pregnancy history suggests mobile surveys are a cost-effective and accessible method for gathering information on abortion in Kenya.