Adoption of antenatal care conversation mapping among health care providers in Saudi Arabia: Application of the diffusion innovation theory

AimTo measure the factors influencing on the adoption of antenatal care conversation mapping among health care providers in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), using the diffusion innovation theory. Methods88 healthcare providers (Riyadh) were recruited using a non-probability convenient sampling technique were trained on how to use a newly developed antenatal care conversation map. Data was collected by self-administrated questionnaire on health education services, adoption of conversation map and diffusion of innovation variables. The JMP statistical software from SAS version 14 was used to perform data analysis. ResultsPrintable tools were most common as used by 72.7% of participants and 83.0% of them did not hear about conversation map. The total mean score of diffusion of innovation variables showed was in general high. The total mean score of relative advantage and observability was high in participants aged between 40 to less than 50 years, while the total mean score of compatibility, complexity, and trialability was high in participants aged from 50 years and more. Significant differences were obtained in both compatibility and trialability considering the health educators specialty, p = 0.03 and p = 0.027 respectively. The linear correlations between diffusion of innovation variables was significantly positive (p-value <0.01). ConclusionAll of diffusion of innovation variables were positive as per the opinion of the participants. Applying the conversation map on other health topics in Saudi Arabia and other Arabic-speaking countries is warranted. Measuring and evaluating the adoption rate of conversation mapping among health care providers on other health topics should be explored.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to measure the factors influencing the adoption of antenatal care conversation mapping among health care providers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using the diffusion of innovation theory. A total of 88 healthcare providers were recruited and trained on using the newly developed conversation map. Data was collected through a questionnaire on health education services, adoption of conversation map, and diffusion of innovation variables. The results showed that printable tools were the most commonly used, with a high overall mean score for diffusion of innovation variables. The study concluded that applying the conversation map to other health topics in Saudi Arabia and other Arabic-speaking countries is recommended.