Identifying Needs for Mobile Application Development to Prevent Anemia in Pregnant Women: Insights From a Qualitative Study

Background: Anaemia during pregnancy is a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where it contributes to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) applications have shown promise in improving healthcare delivery, yet there is limited focus on addressing anemia prevention during pregnancy through these digital solutions. Objectives: This study explored the perspectives of pregnant women, healthcare providers, and community health workers to identify needs for a mobile application tailored to prevent anemia during pregnancy. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among 15 participants in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, including pregnant women, healthcare providers, and community health workers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking. Results: Three main themes emerged: (1) understanding anemia prevention, including awareness and cultural beliefs about nutrition; (2) challenges and needs in anemia prevention, encompassing barriers to accessing reliable information, low adherence to supplementation programs, and desired mobile application features; and (3) suggestions for mobile application development, emphasising the importance of cultural relevance, multilingual support, voiceovers, and regular updates. Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for culturally tailored, user-centered mobile applications to prevent anemia in pregnant women, particularly in resource-limited settings. Future efforts should prioritise co-creation with users to enhance adoption and efficacy.