Use of mobile phones for rehabilitative services among prosthetics users in rural Acholi sub- region of northern Uganda: Findings from a qualitative study

Background: Digital technologies such as mobile phones have shown potential as one of the vital tools for use in healthcare and related services. However, little has been done to explore the use of mobile phones in prosthetics rehabilitative services, especially in the Acholi sub-region of northern Uganda. We address this gap by exploring ownership of the mobile phone, knowledge of the use of mobile phone applications, use of mobile phones relating to prosthetics rehabilitative services and challenges faced in using the mobile phone. Methods: We conducted semi-structured one-on-one interviews with 16 prosthetics users. Results: More prosthetics users (56%) owned mobile phones compared to those without (44%). Many who owned and use a mobile phone are knowledgeable about applications for calls and messaging. Very few prosthetics users had some knowledge of the internet and use the internet applications for e-mail and social media purposes. Out of the nine participants who owned a mobile phone, eight reported using it to call orthopaedic workshops to seek prosthetics rehabilitative services. The common services are associated with new prostheses, diseases, wound management and training on the use of prostheses. Common challenges in using mobile phones were the cost of airtime, few charging places and insufficient skills. Conclusion: Despite the challenges in using a mobile phone, our results suggest that some prosthetics users owned a mobile phone and used it for issues relating to prosthetics rehabilitative services. Promoting the use of the mobile phone for prosthetic rehabilitative services among prosthetics users is necessary, but with consideration of the factors that hinder the use of mobile phones.