Mobile Health Adoption Among Rural Senegalese Farmers in Uganda: A Psychosocial Analysis

Mobile health applications (MHAs) have gained popularity for their ability to enhance access to healthcare services in remote areas. In Sub-Saharan Africa, rural populations often face barriers such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to medical facilities. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather data from a sample of 200 Senegalese farmers in Uganda. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Senegalese farmers showed significant interest in MHAs (85% reported willingness to use), particularly for disease prevention and management. Usage patterns indicated a preference for applications offering educational content over symptom monitoring apps. The study reveals that while Senegalese farmers are receptive to mobile health technology, their usage is driven more by informational needs rather than direct healthcare services, suggesting an emphasis on preventive care education in future interventions. Given the findings, it is recommended that mobile health initiatives should prioritise educational content and community engagement strategies to maximise uptake among rural populations. Further research should explore long-term efficacy and sustainability of MHAs in similar contexts.