A Mobile Health Application Co-Designed by Community Youth Leaders in Cameroon to Address Contraceptive Needs in a Conflict-Affected Region: A User-Centered Approach

Abstract

Jacqueline Fonkwo, George Ashu Agbor-Ntoh, Michael Ebangha Besong, Ariane Nouko, Sinet Akih, Roosevelt Wacha and Justin Chee Ngong

Introduction Contraception is an effective tool to control births and prevent sexually transmitted diseases. In Cameroon, there is a wide gap regarding access to information and tools on contraception amongst youths. Moreover, in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, there is an ongoing socio-political crisis since 2017. In 2022, Cameroonians in the Northwest Region designed an innovative solution to improve access to contraception through an mhealth tool called NANG involving community youth leaders. This research explores the perspectives of community leaders on the current contraception problem and their participation in providing a solution.

Method A qualitative study was done. Of the 10 potential participants, 7 consenting community youth leaders were engaged through semi-structured interviews after 6 months of work on the app and 2 months following its deployment. All responses were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. A thematic data analysis was done, and main themes highlighted.

Results According to the youth leaders, contraception is major problem in the Northwest Region of Cameroon due to related stigma, limited affordability, and availability for youths in the region. Digital tools were mentioned to be an important asset in solving the contraception problem. All leaders felt positive about participating in such a project.

Conclusion Digital tools like an mHealth app can contribute to meet contraceptive needs in a conflict-affected area, and a participatory approach with youths should be considered.

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