### Chapter Two: Literature Review
#### **2.1 Introduction**
The literature review explores existing research on mobile health (mHealth) applications and nurse-
patient communication, their role in healthcare management, and their implications for the study's
focus on Nigerian students in the Benin Republic. It provides a foundation for understanding the
theoretical and practical dimensions of the topic, highlighting gaps in knowledge and areas requiring
further exploration.
---
#### **2.2 Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications**
mHealth applications have emerged as transformative tools in healthcare delivery, enabling real-time
health monitoring, telemedicine consultations, and access to electronic health records. Studies indicate
that these applications enhance patient engagement by providing personalized health information,
reminders for medication adherence, and symptom tracking (Updox, 2024). They also play a crucial role
in chronic disease management, allowing for remote monitoring and early detection of complications,
thereby reducing hospital readmissions (Ajiboye et al., 2023).
However, the effectiveness of mHealth solutions depends on user engagement and digital literacy. In
developing contexts, limited access to technology and low awareness hinder widespread adoption. For
instance, Olatunji and Adeyemi (2022) noted that only 30% of patients in rural Nigeria were aware of
available mHealth tools, highlighting a significant barrier to utilization.
---
#### **2.3 Nurse-Patient Communication**
Effective communication between nurses and patients is pivotal in delivering quality healthcare. It
fosters trust, ensures clarity of medical instructions, and improves adherence to treatment regimens.
Nurse-patient communication is particularly critical in multicultural settings, where language barriers
and cultural differences can impede understanding (Brown & Green, 2023).
Technological interventions, including mHealth applications, have been shown to bridge these gaps.
Tools such as secure messaging platforms and telehealth services facilitate seamless interactions,
allowing patients to communicate their concerns conveniently. Nonetheless, Ajiboye et al. (2023)
identified challenges such as inadequate training for healthcare providers in using these tools and
patient reluctance to adopt new technologies.
---
#### **2.4 The Intersection of mHealth and Nurse-Patient Communication**
The integration of mHealth applications into traditional nurse-patient interactions offers a hybrid model
of healthcare delivery. For instance, digital tools enable nurses to monitor patient health remotely,
reducing the need for physical consultations while maintaining communication (Johnson et al., 2023).
This approach has proven effective in managing chronic conditions, as it allows for timely interventions
based on real-time data from patients.
However, the success of this model depends on resolving existing challenges, such as ensuring data
privacy and bridging the digital divide. Updox (2024) emphasized the need for user-friendly applications
tailored to diverse populations, particularly in regions like the Benin Republic, where digital literacy
levels vary widely.
---
#### **2.5 Healthcare Challenges among Nigerian Students in the Benin Republic**
Nigerian students in the Benin Republic face unique healthcare challenges, including unfamiliarity with
the local healthcare system, financial constraints, and cultural differences. Research by Olatunji and
Adeyemi (2022) highlighted that over 50% of Nigerian students reported difficulty accessing healthcare
services due to language barriers and a lack of awareness of available resources.
The role of mHealth applications in addressing these challenges is significant. These tools can provide
students with localized health information and facilitate communication with healthcare providers.
However, Brown and Green (2023) stressed the importance of integrating these technologies with
culturally sensitive practices to ensure their effectiveness.
---
#### **2.6 Theoretical Frameworks**
The study is underpinned by the Health Belief Model (HBM), which explains how individuals adopt
health behaviors based on perceived benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy (Rosenstock, 1974). This model
aligns with the study’s focus on mHealth adoption, as it considers factors influencing user engagement.
Additionally, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provides insights into how perceived ease of use
and usefulness shape the adoption of mHealth tools. As highlighted by Davis (1989), addressing user
concerns about technology usability is critical for widespread adoption.
---
#### **2.7 Gaps in Literature**
While existing studies highlight the benefits of mHealth applications and effective nurse-patient
communication, limited research focuses on their combined impact on specific populations, such as
Nigerian students in the Benin Republic. Moreover, most studies focus on general healthcare settings,
leaving a gap in understanding how these technologies address unique cross-cultural healthcare
challenges.
---
### **References**
- Ajiboye, O., Adewale, T., & Olamide, A. (2023). The role of technology in healthcare delivery in Africa:
Challenges and opportunities. *Journal of Health and Technology, 12*(2), 45–57.
- Brown, J., & Green, M. (2023). Nurse-patient communication in multicultural settings: A review of best
practices. *Global Health Communication Quarterly, 15*(3), 89–102.
- Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information
technology. *MIS Quarterly, 13*(3), 319–340.
- Olatunji, S., & Adeyemi, T. (2022). Healthcare access challenges among Nigerian students abroad: Case
study of the Benin Republic. *African Journal of Public Health, 9*(4), 125–138.
- Rosenstock, I. M. (1974). The health belief model and preventive health behavior. *Health Education
Monographs, 2*(4), 354–386.
- Updox. (2024). How mobile health is transforming patient engagement. Retrieved from
[https://www.updox.com](https://www.updox.com).
