Journal of Infectious Diseases & Preventive Medicine
Open Access

Role of Mobile Health (mHealth) Apps in Promoting Hand Hygiene in Low-Resource Settings

Rachel M. Foster^{* *}Correspondence: Rachel M. Foster, Department of Global Digital Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, Email:

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Description

Hand hygiene is one of the simplest yet most effective interventions for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In low-resource settings, however, sustaining good hand hygiene practices remains a complex challenge due to limited access to clean water, inadequate public health infrastructure and gaps in health education. The increasing availability of mobile technology, even in resource-limited environments, has opened new avenues for intervention particularly through mobile health (m-health) applications aimed at behaviour change and health promotion.

The global spread of mobile phones, including in rural and underserved regions, has outpaced many other forms of infrastructure. In sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, mobile penetration exceeds 70%, and similar trends are visible across South and Southeast Asia. This digital reach provides a potential platform to deliver health messages, engage users in behaviour tracking, and promote consistent hygiene practices, including handwashing with soap. M-Health apps, specifically designed to support hand hygiene, have begun to emerge as tools for both education and behaviour reinforcement. These apps can deliver culturally adapted reminders, educational content, interactive tutorials and behaviour-tracking tools to individuals and communities. In healthcare settings, particularly in underresourced hospitals and clinics, m-Health can support staff adherence to hand hygiene protocols and offer real-time monitoring through connected sensors or self-reporting tools.

One example is the use of SMS-based reminder systems and simple mobile applications to improve handwashing practices in schools and community centres. Projects in Kenya, India and Bangladesh have piloted m-Health tools that send motivational messages or timed alerts to prompt children and caregivers to wash their hands during key moments before eating, after using the toilet and after handling waste. Results from these programs indicate improved compliance and increased awareness of proper hand hygiene techniques. Healthcare worker adherence to hand hygiene protocols has also seen potential improvement through m-Health solutions. In resource-limited clinical settings where direct observation and feedback are not feasible, mobile apps have been used to provide feedback loops, training modules and reminders. For example, apps can deliver brief video demonstrations of the World Health Organization (WHO) hand hygiene technique or track individual compliance with institutional goals. Some initiatives have used QR codes placed near sinks to allow healthcare workers to quickly log their handwashing, which can then be aggregated and reviewed by health administrators.

Another significant advantage of m-Health apps in these settings is their ability to collect and transmit data for monitoring and evaluation. Traditional hand hygiene promotion campaigns often lack consistent measurement tools. M-Health solutions can gather anonymized user data, track behaviour change over time and identify barriers to adoption allowing program implementers to tailor interventions accordingly. This digital data collection enables real time adjustments to strategies, potentially increasing their effectiveness and cost efficiency.

Despite the promise of these technologies, several limitations and considerations must be acknowledged. First, digital literacy remains a barrier in many low-resource settings, particularly among older populations and those with limited formal education. Even where mobile phones are available, not all users may be comfortable with apps or frequent SMS usage. Additionally, smartphone access is still lower in rural areas compared to urban centres, which may limit the reach of appbased interventions.

Secondly, hand hygiene is not solely a matter of knowledge or reminders; physical access to water, soap and hygiene infrastructure remains essential. No mobile app can replace the need for investment in sanitation infrastructure. Thus, m-Health initiatives should be viewed as a complement to rather than a substitute for physical improvements in hygiene access. Integrating digital tools with broader Water, Sanitation And Hygiene (WASH) strategies is crucial for lasting impact. There is also the question of sustainability. Many pilot projects are donorfunded and operate for short durations. Without long-term funding, local ownership and policy integration, the effects of m- Health campaigns may wane over time. Governments, NGOs and development partners must collaborate to ensure these digital tools are maintained, updated and scaled up effectively.

Conclusion

The role of m-Health apps in promoting hand hygiene in lowresource settings is increasingly recognized as a powerful supplement to traditional public health interventions. By leveraging widespread mobile access, these tools can bridge gaps in health education, reinforce good practices and provide realtime data for evaluation and improvement. When integrated into broader WASH programs, m-Health apps can amplify the reach and efficiency of hand hygiene promotion, particularly in underserved areas where conventional methods may fall short. However, to fully realize their potential, m-Health strategies must be context-specific, equitable and embedded within sustainable infrastructure and policy frameworks. Investment in digital health literacy, ongoing technical support and cross-sector collaboration will be essential. As we look toward the future of global health promotion, mobile health offers a compelling, adaptable approach to one of the most basic and critical behaviours in infectious disease prevention: washing our hands.