Evaluating barriers to reaching women with public health information in remote communities in Mali

Abstract Telecommunications offers an alternative or supplement to community-based interventions as a means of extending healthcare services and improving health outcomes in remote settings, but can fail to reach target communities if barriers to access are not overcome. We conducted seven focus group discussions and 26 interviews with community health workers, community leaders, and female members of the public who declared that they had or had not previously accessed free audio health messages provided via a mobile platform in two rural communities of Mali, Koulikoro and Bougouni. A content analysis showed that participants accessed and trusted health information from a range of sources, including radio, telephone and television, as well as town criers, local relays and community health centres. Barriers to access faced by women included economic factors, lack of network or electricity, and social factors such as illiteracy, cultural restrictions and being unaware of mobile communication. Through analysis and interpretation of the participants’ responses, we have made recommendations for future campaigns for the dissemination of health-related information for women in remote settings.