Ogweno Stephen’s First Scientific Publication of 2025

I am thrilled to announce that my first research publication of 2025 has officially been published. This study, titled “Health Interventions for Health Promotion in Sub-Saharan Africa: Assessing Impact on Health Literacy and Comparative Analysis of Online Communication Channels,” explores the role of mHealth interventions in improving noncommunicable disease (NCD) literacy across multiple African nations.

With the increasing burden of NCDs in Africa, digital platforms are proving to be an effective means for health promotion and behavior change communication. This study, which builds on the work done through the NCDs 365 project, assesses the feasibility and impact of digital health interventions in five African countries—Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

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Research Overview

Introduction

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain a growing challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet many communities lack access to accurate health information. This study examines the effectiveness of cross-country mHealth interventions in enhancing health literacy and promoting preventive health behaviors.

Using data from the NCDs 365 project, a year-long initiative aimed at improving NCD awareness, this research evaluates the impact of digital communication channels—such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter)—in disseminating health promotion materials across multiple regions.

Methodology

To ensure a diverse and representative sample, the study adopted a multi-stage sampling approach, selecting five nations with active local partner organizations executing the NCDs 365 project. Participants included individuals engaged in the initiative, with data collected via structured questionnaires. The study applied advanced descriptive analysis, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to measure effectiveness across different digital platforms.

Key Findings

• WhatsApp emerged as the most effective digital platform, with 58.6% of respondents favoring it for health information, followed by X (20.8%) and Facebook (6.8%).
• No significant difference was found in the effectiveness of different online platforms, reinforcing the potential of cross-country mHealth programs.
• Gender-specific analysis revealed similar literacy improvements, with males slightly outperforming females.
• The study underscores the role of mHealth in bridging health literacy gaps and promoting sustainable health behaviors in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusion and Implications

This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, health practitioners, and digital health innovators seeking to optimize health communication strategies. By leveraging widely used platforms like WhatsApp, governments and organizations can scale up public health interventions and ensure evidence-based digital health policies.

Furthermore, this study reinforces the importance of cross-country collaborations in health promotion and lays the foundation for future research on mHealth scalability and efficiency in Africa.

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Full Paper Access

📄 Title: Health Interventions for Health Promotion in Sub-Saharan Africa: Assessing Impact on Health Literacy and Comparative Analysis of Online Communication Channels
📖 Journal: British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research
🔗 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14738/bjhmr.1201.18109

How to Cite:
Ogweno, S., Harrison, R., Bonface, O., & Murithi, B. (2025). Health Interventions for Health Promotion in Sub-Saharan Africa: Assessing Impact on Health Literacy and Comparative Analysis of Online Communication Channels. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, 12(01), 28–48. https://doi.org/10.14738/bjhmr.1201.18109

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The Future of Digital Health in Africa

This research is just the beginning. As technology and health continue to merge, we must prioritize digital solutions that make healthcare information more accessible and actionable. I remain committed to advancing health tech innovations, advocacy, and policy development to bridge healthcare disparities in Kenya, Africa, and beyond.

Stay tuned for more research, insights, and innovations in digital health and noncommunicable disease prevention. Let’s work together to build a healthier, more informed Africa.