Smartphone Usage Patterns Among Pregnant Women in Punjab: A Cross-Tabulation Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates smartphone usage patterns among pregnant women in Punjab, focusing on their preferred communication modes (voice or text) and engagement with health information. It also examines the influence of education, economic background, and area of residence on these patterns, providing insights into how digital platforms shape maternal communication and information-seeking behaviours. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 600 pregnant women from six districts across Punjab’s three regions, namely Majha, Doaba, and Malwa. Stratified random sampling ensured proportional representation from government and private antenatal care centres. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 2.0, applying descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation. The results indicated that education and economic background significantly influenced both the purpose of smartphone usage and the preferred communication mode, while area of residence showed a moderate association. Voice communication was more prevalent among women with lower literacy levels, whereas text-based use dominated among those with higher education. These findings highlight the role of sociodemographic factors in shaping digital health engagement, suggesting the need for tailored maternal health communication strategies.