title: Feasibility and acceptability of text messaging to support antenatal healthcare in Iraqi pregnant women: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the feasibility and acceptability of mobile health technology and its potential to improve antenatal care (ANC) services in Iraq.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a controlled experimental study conducted at primary health care centers. One hundred pregnant women who attended those centres for ANC were exposed to weekly text messages varying in content, depending on the week of gestation, while 150 women were recruited for the unexposed group. The number of ANC visits in the intervention and control groups, was the main outcome measure. The Mann-Whitney test and the Poisson regression model were the two main statistical tests used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  More than 85% of recipients were in agreement with the following statements: "the client recommends this program for other pregnant women", "personal rating for the message as a whole" and "obtained benefit from the messages". There was a statistically significant increase in the median number of antenatal clinic visits from two to four per pregnancy, in addition to being relatively of low cost, and could be provided for a larger population with not much difference in the efforts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Text messaging is feasible, low cost and reasonably acceptable to Iraqi pregnant women, and encourages their ANC visits.
authors.affiliation: Scientific Unit, Al Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, P.O. Box: 19033, Al Dhubbat, Baghdad, Iraq.
authors.forename: Taghreed
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Alhaidari
authors.affiliation: Institute of Translation, Innovation, Methodology and Engagement, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: Nazar
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Amso
authors.affiliation: Community Medicine Department, MOH, Baghdad, Iraq.
authors.forename: Taqi Mohammed
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Jawad
authors.affiliation: Obstetrical and Gynaecological Department, Elwyia Maternity Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq.
authors.forename: Ulfat
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Alnakkash
authors.affiliation: Medical Department, Alkindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
authors.forename: Faris
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khazaal
authors.affiliation: Community Medicine Department, Baghdad Medical College, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alnaaimi
authors.affiliation: Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pickles
authors.affiliation: Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Playle
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College, London, UK.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Istepanian
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University, London, UK.
authors.forename: Nada
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Philip
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Gregory
authors.affiliation: Community Medicine Department, Al Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
authors.forename: Thamer
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Al Hilfi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003906:Developing Countries; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007493:Iraq; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D060145:Text Messaging; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Antenatal care; developing country; pregnancy; primary care; text messaging; women