Abstract
The digital transformation of health systems provides new opportunities to improve the collection, transmission and use of health data. Mobile applications are increasingly important tools in this transformation, but their effective use remains constrained by human, technological, organizational and environmental factors. This study aimed to identify factors associated with low use of mobile applications for health data collection among healthcare providers in Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A quantitative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 123 healthcare providers from leading health facilities across the ten health zones of Mbujimayi. Selection was exhaustive among eligible providers identified within the relevant facilities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered via KoboToolbox. Low mobile application usage was defined as usage occurring monthly or less frequently. Associations were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests and estimated via odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A parsimonious binary logistic regression was performed. Given the 71 observed events, the final six-variable model yielded 11.8 events per variable. The significance threshold was set at 5%. Low use of mobile applications was observed among 71 participants (57.7%). Multivariable analysis showed that low or moderate application proficiency (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.12; 95% CI: 1.28–13.29; p = 0.018), lack of application training (aOR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.01–8.25; p = 0.047), insufficient Internet connectivity (aOR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.08–6.94; p = 0.034), frequent technical difficulties (aOR = 3.86; 95% CI: 1.41–10.54; p = 0.008), lack of technical support (aOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.02–6.20; p = 0.045), and insufficient institutional training (aOR = 3.97; 95% CI: 1.54–10.26; p = 0.004) were independently associated with low use. Low use of mobile applications in Mbujimayi appears to be primarily related to digital skills, training, connectivity and institutional support. Interventions combining capacity building, improved digital infrastructure and technical support may promote more regular and sustainable use of mobile technologies.