Impact Of The 3M (Mobile Mind Mapping) App on Knowledge and Competency in the Prevention and Management of Selected Non-Communicable Diseases Among Community Health Officers in Sambalpur, Odisha: A Pilot Study

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant cause of mortality in India, and Odisha has reported high prevalence rates of hypertension (22%) and diabetes (10%). Community Health Officers (CHOs) are critical frontline workers in managing NCDs, but face challenges due to inadequate training and limited access to up-to-date resources. Objective: This pilot study assessed the impact of the 3M (Mobile Mind Mapping) app on the knowledge and competency of CHOs in managing hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre-test–post-test control group design was used with 40 CHOs from Jharsuguda district, Odisha (20 experimental, 20 control). The intervention group received training and used the 3M app, developed on the Adalo platform. Data were collected at baseline and at 15, 30, and 90 days post-intervention using validated questionnaires and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Significant improvements were found in the experimental group's knowledge (F = 5170.009, p < 0.001) and competency (F = 5044.066, p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (partial eta squared = 0.993). All CHOs in the experimental group rated the app as acceptable, feasible, and usable. Conclusion: The 3M app significantly enhanced the knowledge and competency of CHOs regarding NCD management. Mobile mind mapping represents a promising tool for strengthening the healthcare workforce in resource-constrained settings.