Exploring doctors’ and midwives’ perspectives on utilising social media for maternal health promotion
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025
Authors
Omoloso, A.I.
Oche, M.F.
Adisa, R.M.
Mahamood, A.F.
Banjuri, M.
La’aro, O.A
Udende, P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Islamic, Social, Economics and Development (JISED), Published by Academic Inspired Network, Malaysia
Abstract
This study investigates the perspectives and experiences of doctors and midwives in
Ilorin, Nigeria, regarding the use of social media for maternal health promotion. Through in
depth interviews with ten healthcare professionals; eight doctors and two midwives, three key
themes emerged from thematic analysis: perceptions of social media’s role, practical
experiences of its application, and strategies for optimisation. Participants viewed social
media, including platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, as a powerful tool for
enhancing patient education, fostering supportive communities, and extending the reach of
maternal health information. It facilitates awareness of issues such as postpartum depression,
promotes healthier behaviours, and ensures continuous support. However, challenges such as
misinformation, privacy concerns, and unrealistic expectations temper its benefits,
necessitating credible content and careful management, as supported by Social Cognitive
Theory’s emphasis on outcome expectations and self-efficacy. Practically, participants
employed varied platforms and interaction methods, direct messages, group chats, and calls,
sharing content like videos and infographics, though time constraints, limited training, and
poor internet access posed barriers. Proposed optimisation strategies included debunking
myths with expert input, government regulation of misinformation, and amplifying credible
content through proactive education. This study concludes that while social media holds
transformative potential for maternal health, addressing these challenges through training and
infrastructure improvements is crucial. By leveraging its strengths, healthcare providers can
significantly enhance maternal health outcomes in Nigeria.
necessitating credible content and careful management, as supported by Social Cognitive
Description
Keywords
Doctors, Digital platforms, Maternal health promotion, Midwives, social media
Citation
67. Omoloso, A.I., Oche, M.F., Adisa, R.M., Mahamood, A.F., Banjuri, M., La’aro, O.A., & Udende, P. (2025). Exploring doctors’ and midwives’ perspectives on utilising social media for maternal health promotion. Journal of Islamic, Social, Economics and Development (JISED), 10(71), 552-568. Published by Academic Inspired Network, Malaysia