Effectiveness of a mobile cardiotocography device (iCTG) in improving antenatal care and detecting abnormal fetal heart rate during late pregnancy: an implementation study in Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Tanzania, 35% of pregnant women fail to complete four antenatal care (ANC) visits, increasing their risk for pregnancy-related complications, maternal mortality, and stillbirth. We evaluated the effectiveness of a Mobile Fetal Heart Monitor (Melody International Ltd, iCTG) device in improving pregnancy and childbirth outcomes in Tanzania.

Methods

We used a pragmatic, non-randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the 8-month implementation of iCTG. Pregnant women at 32 gestational age or above were monitored using iCTG in intervention facilities (n = 492), while control facilities (n = 271) continued standard care. The primary outcome was the completion of ≥ 4 ANC visits, with secondary outcomes including abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) detectio

SUBMITTER: Mwakawanga DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12659349 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature