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Background Antenatal care provides a platform for important health care functions during pregnancy, including health promotion, screening, and diagnosis and disease prevention. Timely and appropriate utilization of antenatal care can prevent complications and ensure better maternal and newborn health care. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of interactive mobile health technologies in improving antenatal care service utilization in Dodoma region, Tanzania Methods A controlled quasi-experimental study was carried. Random selection of participants was employed to achieve a sample size of 450 pregnant women (Intervention=150 and Control=300). Interventions were matched to controls by gravidity and gestational age at a ratio of 1:2.The intervention group was enrolled in an interactive mobile messaging system and received health education messages. The control group continued with the standard antenatal care services being offered in local clinics. Pregnant women were followed from their initial visit to the point of delivery. Independent two-sample T-tests and logistic regression were used to test the effect of the intervention. Results The mean age of the participants was found to be 25.6 years with a range of 16 to 48 years. 77.3% of participants in the intervention group utilize ANC services as compared to 57.7% in the control group. The mean score was (M=2.77, SD 0.420) in the intervention group against (M=2.58, SD=0.495) in the control with (t=4.172, P |
