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Assessing the User Satisfaction with Mobile App Features and Messages in a Pilot Study of Environmental and Sanitation Improvements with mHealth

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services remains a major contributor to preventable disease, particularly in underserved urban communities. Brazil has implemented condominial sewer systems to address sanitation gaps in informal settlements, however, sustained community engagement and participation remain a challenge. Earlier studies have shown that there is power in community. This means that a community working together, along with service providers, can increase the longevity of WASH interventions. AIM: This study evaluated the feasibility of an mHealth intervention (E-SIM, delivered through the +Lugar app) to support sanitation engagement and participation in Brazilian favelas. METHODS: A six-month pilot feasibility study enrolled 148 households/participants in the Marechal Rondon and Nova Sussuarana communities in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. This included households with and without recent condominial sewer interventions. Engagement, acceptability, and user satisfaction of the mHealth app were assessed using two feasibility surveys. RESULTS: A total of 122 households/participants completed two surveys regarding the feasibility of the app to help them understand and report issues with sanitation. The outcomes measured included a 9-question rating system which had a range from 1-10 for rating features of the app. DISCUSSION: Based on the feasibility surveys and application feedback, results indicate that app-based intervention has the potential to increase understanding and target problems identified with the app to improve WASH related outcomes. The study also highlighted the need for varied approaches to reach and impact unique user groups.

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Description
Date
2026-05-05
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Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Keywords
mHealth, Water and Sanitation, Brazil, Condominials, app
Citation
Embargo Lift Date
2027-05-05
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