Currently accepted at: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Feb 12, 2026
Date Accepted: Oct 13, 2026
This paper has been accepted and is currently in production.
It will appear shortly on 10.2196/93373
The final accepted version (not copyedited yet) is in this tab.
Mobile Technology Engagement Among Caregivers with Implications for Childhood Antibiotic Stewardship in Northern Vietnam: A Mixed-Method Community based Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
In Vietnam, antibiotic use without involvement of healthcare professionals is common practice in the community despite prescriptions being required. In low- and middle-income countries, mobile health (mHealth) is perceived to have potential for improving healthcare at low cost.
Objective:
In this study, we aim to explore relationships between mobile phone ownership and health-seeking behaviours among caregivers of children under five to inform the design of a mobile health intervention to improve appropriate antibiotic use in the community.
Methods:
A mixed methods approach combined a cross-sectional household survey of 450 households having children under-five and follow-up interviews with caregivers about their online health-seeking behaviours. Data collection was conducted between June and September 2023 in two sites: one urban and one rural area in a northern province of Vietnam. Mobile phone use for seeking health information, including antibiotic use was investigated. Factors associated with using mobile phones to seek healthcare information were identified through multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
Among 534 children under five, 355 (78.9%) had a cough, 306 (68.0%) had fever and 85 (18.9%) had diarrhea in the last 12 months. Of those, 221 (62.3%) children with cough, 144 (47.1%) children with fever, and 33 (38.8%) children with diarrhea were treated with antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment for these conditions was mainly obtained from private hospitals/clinics, followed by private drug stores. Among 450 households, almost all had internet connection (98.7%), 84.2% caregivers owned smart phones, 55.3% owned basic phones, and 26.9% owned other smart devices (laptops and tablets). 80.3% caregivers used mobile phones for accessing child healthcare information. Younger age (below 40 years-old), living in a rural area, having higher educational level (college and above) and having religion were found to be associated with engaging in online health information-seeking behaviour.
Conclusions:
The study findings showed a high volume of antibiotics used for common childhood conditions. High mobile device coverage and frequent usage for seeking child healthcare among caregivers indicated the feasibility of implementing mobile health interventions to improve healthcare and to guide appropriate antibiotic use in communities.
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