Digital platform development for urine iodine situation surveillance pregnant

Abstract

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women is a significant public health issue that directly impacts fetal development. This study aimed to develop a digital platform for monitoring iodine levels in pregnant women’s urine by leveraging digital technology for efficient data collection, analysis, and reporting. The platform seeks to enhance the accuracy and speed of iodine level assessments, facilitating systematic planning and policymaking for iodine deficiency prevention. The development process consisted of six stages: 1) assessing user requirements, 2) developing a prototype, 3) pilot testing the prototype, 4) refining the platform, 5) implementing it in practice, and 6) evaluating its performance. The study involved participants from antenatal care clinics, laboratories, and health units at the district, provincial, and regional levels. Data collection was conducted using structured questionnaires and interviews, with quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that the developed digital platform achieved a high-quality rating (mean = 4.02, SD = 0.57), with data accuracy aligning well with expert evaluations. Additionally, user satisfaction was rated high (mean = 3.97, SD = 0.71). The platform demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing workload and enhancing the precision of iodine level analysis in pregnant women’s urine within Health Region 7. Furthermore, the platform holds potential for nationwide implementation as part of a broader surveillance system. This study highlights the critical role of digital technology in enhancing the efficiency of surveillance systems and preventing iodine deficiency in pregnant women, serving as a foundational approach for improving health capital and cognitive development in children.