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CompletedNCT04739462Updated Apr 14, 2022

SMS Maama Project COVID-19

An interventional study of mHealth Platform in Pregnancy Complications and Birth Injuries, sponsored by University of Minnesota. Completed at 2 sites in 2 countries. Open to female participants aged 18 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2022-04-14.

Sponsored by University of Minnesota · Not applicable, Interventional, and Prevention

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
248
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
Female
01

Study summary

The study's purpose is to demonstrate the ability of an mHealth platform as a feasible way of sharing information in a time of restricted movement in order to inform future studies.

Read the detailed description

The primary objective of this trial is to assess whether an mHealth platform increases maternal health knowledge in the areas of birth preparedness, pregnancy, and birth complications as measured by the pre- and post-surveys in comparison to routine antenatal care.

The secondary objectives of this trial are;

  1. To provide knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment, in a time of social distancing and learning.
  2. To improve access and linkages to maternal health services and information as well as provide appropriate referrals for pregnant females.
  3. Inform the adoption of mHealth into future health delivery plans.
02

Conditions studied

  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Birth Injuries
03

In context

Pregnancy Complications

437 studies on the registry are indexed under Pregnancy Complications; 119 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 248 is above the median of 147 across 220 interventional studies indexed under Pregnancy Complications.

Browse Pregnancy Complications studies →

Lead sponsor

University of Minnesota is the lead sponsor of 1,184 studies on the registry; 195 are open to participants now.

Of its 132 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 91 (69%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
Female
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

  • Own a personal mobile phone
  • Attend ANC at Kisenyi Health Centre IV, Kawempe Hospital or Rubaga Hospital
  • Are at least 24-26 weeks estimated gestational age
  • Literate in English or Luganda
  • Capable of sending/receiving text messages

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Females who plan to travel out of Uganda during the study period
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Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
248 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Intervention

    Participants in this arm will receive the study intervention.

    Behavioral: mHealth Platform

  • No intervention
    Routine Antenatal Care

    Participants in this arm will receive no intervention.

Interventions

  • BehavioralmHealth Platform

    All participants randomized to the intervention group will receive 2-4 informational texts each week and will also receive interactive health screening questions throughout enrollment. A participant will also receive appointment reminder texts. All SMS text messages will be transmitted through a local organization known as The Medical Concierge Group (TMCG) via an electronic system that allows for bulk messaging. TMCG also staffs a 24-hour call line for those using TMCG services to call in for medical related questions. This call line is staffed by doctors and nurses; SMS Maama participants randomized to the interventional group will be able to access this call line free of charge as part of their enrollment in SMS Maama.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Pre- to Post-Intervention Knowledge

    Outcome is reported as the percent of pregnant participants who recognize key danger signs during pregnancy, labor and childbirth, and postpartum period. Knowledge is measured pre-intervention (approximately 24-26 weeks gestation) and post-intervention (approximately 2 weeks following delivery). The timeframe is calculated to be 16-18 weeks.

    Time frame: up to 18 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Knowledge on COVID-19

    Outcome reported as the percent of pregnant participants who identify key symptoms, modes of transmission, and measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). Knowledge is measured pre-intervention (approximately 24-26 weeks gestation) and post-intervention (approximately 2 weeks following delivery). The timeframe is calculated to be 16-18 weeks.

    Time frame: up to 18 weeks

  2. Rate of COVID Testing

    Outcome is reported as the percent of pregnant participants who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy.

    Time frame: up to 18 weeks

  3. Change in Pregnancy Risk Knowledge

    Outcome is reported as the percent of pregnant participants who believe pregnant females are at increased risk for COVID-19. Knowledge is measured pre-intervention (approximately 24-26 weeks gestation) and post-intervention (approximately 2 weeks following delivery). The timeframe is calculated to be 16-18 weeks.

    Time frame: up to 18 weeks

  4. Change in Breastfeeding Knowledge

    Outcome is reported as the percent of pregnant participants who believe it is safe to breastfeed their newborn if they have or have had COVID-19. Knowledge is measured pre-intervention (approximately 24-26 weeks gestation) and post-intervention (approximately 2 weeks following delivery). The timeframe is calculated to be 16-18 weeks.

    Time frame: up to 18 weeks

  5. Antenatal Care Rate

    Outcome is reported as the percent of pregnant participants who attend at least 4 antenatal care visits.

    Time frame: up to 18 weeks

  6. Skilled Birth Attendance Rate

    Outcome is reported as the percent of pregnant participants who give birth at a hospital.

    Time frame: up to 18 weeks

  7. Rate of Negative Pregnancy Outcomes

    Outcome is reported as the percent of pregnant participants who experience a negative pregnancy outcome (e.g. maternal/neonatal complications, miscarriage, stillbirth, and/or neonatal death).

    Time frame: up to 18 weeks

07

Study locations

2 sites
  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
  • Makerere University
    Kampala, Uganda
08

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Apr 14, 2022, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT04739462
Lead sponsor
University of Minnesota
Collaborators
Makerere University
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Feb 4, 2021
Start date
Sep 28, 2021
Primary completion
Oct 21, 2021
Completion
Oct 21, 2021
Last update
Apr 14, 2022

Study contacts

Betty Nakabuye, MBChB, MMed
principal investigator · Lubaga Hospital and School of Public Health, Makerere University
Jolly Beyeza
principal investigator · Mulago Specialised Women's Hospital and School of Medicine, Makerere University
Katelyn Pastick
principal investigator · University of Minnesota
Cheryl Robertson
principal investigator · University of Minnesota

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is completed, as verified in Apr 2022. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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