The Use of Digital Tools to Improve Delivery of Healthcare Services in Rural Communities in Oyo State, Nigeria: Accessibility and Acceptability

Background: Digital health interventions are increasingly recognised as promising strategies to address healthcare disparities in underserved regions. In Nigeria, particularly rural areas in Oyo State, access to healthcare remains constrained by infrastructural and human resource challenges. This study explored the accessibility, acceptability, and impact of digital health tools on healthcare delivery in rural Oyo State, Nigeria. Methods: A two-phase, sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Phase 1 involved qualitative interviews with 25 healthcare professionals across eight rural Primary Healthcare Centres to explore barriers and facilitators of digital health adoption. These findings informed a crosssectional survey (n = 393) assessing digital tool usage, readiness, and knowledge among healthcare workers and residents. Phase 2 used a controlled before-and-after study design to evaluate the impact of a digital health intervention comprising teleconsultation, text message–based health education, and digital vital sign monitoring. Pre- and post-intervention outcomes including healthcare service uptake and quality of life were measured using validated instruments (Adult Healthcare Questionnaire and EuroQol Five-Dimension Scale). Results: Digital tool usage was high among healthcare professionals (91.8 percent) but low among residents (14.7 percent). Surprisingly, residents with lower formal education showed greater willingness to adopt digital health. Barriers included poor internet, unreliable electricity, limited training, and outdated equipment, while facilitators were support from nongovernmental organizations, solar power, and visible health benefits. The digital health intervention significantly improved healthcare service uptake (P < .001) and self-rated quality of life (EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale, P < .001), though no significant changes were observed in the EuroQol Five-Dimension Scale domain scores. Conclusion: Digital health tools demonstrate both acceptability and effectiveness in enhancing healthcare delivery in rural Nigeria. However, addressing systemic barriers related to infrastructure and workforce capacity is essential for sustained impact. These findings provide practical evidence to inform national digital health policy and support progress toward Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3.