Usability of health information systems in rural and low-resource settings of Sudan

Mobile devices play an important role in Health Information Systems (HIS), especially in rural and low-resource areas of Sudan, where they help improve access to and use of healthcare services. However, these devices still face major usability problems, such as difficult navigation, inconsistent interface designs, hard-to-use input methods, and poor compatibility between devices. These problems reduce the effectiveness of mobile devices in meeting the needs of underserved communities. This study examines the efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction of HIS features in rural settings, using the After-Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ) to measure how well users complete tasks. A total of 113 people took part in the study, revealing specific usability patterns and ongoing difficulties. The results highlight important design and functionality issues in mobile health applications and show the urgent need for adaptable user interfaces based on user-centered design. Such interfaces would support the smooth completion of key health tasks and encourage wider use of HIS in low-resource environments.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of ADVANCED AND APPLIED SCIENCES
Published
2025-07-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2025.07.017
Primary Topic
Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
Type
article
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article

Usability of health information systems in rural and low-resource settings of Sudan

Asim Seedahmed Ali Osman, Alaa Mahmoud
International Journal of ADVANCED AND APPLIED SCIENCES
Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
article

Usability of health information systems in rural and low-resource settings of Sudan

Asim Seedahmed Ali Osman, Alaa Mahmoud
article en

Abstract

Mobile devices play an important role in Health Information Systems (HIS), especially in rural and low-resource areas of Sudan, where they help improve access to and use of healthcare services. However, these devices still face major usability problems, such as difficult navigation, inconsistent interface designs, hard-to-use input methods, and poor compatibility between devices. These problems reduce the effectiveness of mobile devices in meeting the needs of underserved communities. This study examines the efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction of HIS features in rural settings, using the After-Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ) to measure how well users complete tasks. A total of 113 people took part in the study, revealing specific usability patterns and ongoing difficulties. The results highlight important design and functionality issues in mobile health applications and show the urgent need for adaptable user interfaces based on user-centered design. Such interfaces would support the smooth completion of key health tasks and encourage wider use of HIS in low-resource environments.

International Journal of ADVANCED AND APPLIED SCIENCESVol. 12(7)
University of Hafr Al-Batin (SA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 71%
Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
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