The Role of Hausa Digital Storytelling in the promotion of Maternal Health-Seeking Behaviour in Sokoto State

Citation: Mohammed, A. and Wasagu, S. M.. (2026). “Role of Hausa Digital Storytelling in the promotion of Maternal Health-Seeking Behaviour in Sokoto State” In Ɗunɗaye Journal of Hausa Studies, Vol. 04, No. 01, Pp. 83 – 92. www.doi.org/10.36349/djhs.2026.v04n01.011.

THE ROLE OF HAUSA DIGITAL STORYTELLING IN THE PROMOTION OF MATERNAL HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR IN SOKOTO STATE

By

Abubakar Mohammed, PhD
Department of Mass Communication
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.

And

Sakina Muhammad Wasagu
Department of Mass Communication
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Maternal health seeking behaviour remains a persistent challenge in Sokoto State, Nigeria, where low utilisation of antenatal and skilled birth services continues to contribute to poor maternal cosequencs Existing studies have mainly focused on structural health system factors, with limited attention to the role of indigenous language communication and culturally grounded digital media. This study examines the role of Hausa digital storytelling in promoting maternal health seeking behaviour in Sokoto State. The study is anchored on Narrative Paradigm Theory and Diffusion of Innovations Theory and adopts a qualitative research design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and digital content analysis across selected Local Government Areas in Sokoto State. Thematic analysis was used to interpret findings. Results indicate that Hausa digital storytelling enhances maternal health awareness, improves comprehension of health messages, and positively influences antenatal care attendance and facility-based delivery decisions. However, challenges such as limited digital access, misinformation and low digital literacy constrain its effectiveness. The study identifies a key research gap in the limited empirical focus on how indigenous language digital storytelling influences maternal health seeking behaviour in northern Nigeria. It concludes that integrating Hausa language storytelling into digital health communication offers a culturally relevant and effective strategy for improving maternal health outcomes in Sokoto State.

Keywords: Behaviour change; Digital storytelling; Hausa language; Maternal health. 

1.0 Introduction

Maternal health remains a major development concern in Nigeria, particularly in northern states where health outcomes continue to fall below national and global expectations. In Sokoto State, maternal and child health indicators remain poor due to persistent inequalities in access to healthcare, low levels of educationand socio-cultural barriers that influence women’s health decisions. Recent studies show that maternal health service utilisation in the state is still limited despite ongoing government and donor interventions (Sangwe, Nunu, Manjinja, & Nkosi.2025). This situation calls for more effective and culturally grounded communication approaches that can improve awareness and encourage positive health-seeking behaviour among women.

Low utilisation of maternal health services in Sokoto State is strongly associated with communication gaps and behavioural constraints.For example, manywomen delay or avoid seeking antenatal care due to lack of information, cultural belief and reliance on informal advice networks. Evidence suggests that poor knowledge of maternal health risks and limited exposure to relevant health information contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality (Yahaya, Sani, & Lawal, 2021). These challenges indicate that improving access to health facilities alone is insufficient without addressing how information is communicated and understood within local contexts.

Development communication is the use of communication to support development by creating awareness, changing attitudes, and encouraging community participation in improving people’s quality of life (Quebral, 2006). It plays an important role in shaping health behaviour and promoting social change. However, conventional communication strategies often adopt top-down approaches that do not fully reflect the linguistic and cultural realities of Hausa-speaking populations. Indigenous language communication, particularly Hausa provides a more relatable and culturally embedded medium for conveying health messages.According to (Furnis, 1996, Adamu, 2010) Hausa storytelling is the traditional and contemporary practice of narrating stories in Hausa language to preserve cultural heritage, transmit moral values, educate members of the society, entertain audiences, and communicate social messages across generations. It uses proverbs, narratives, and lived experiences, create opportunities for deeper engagement and understanding. When adapted into digital formats, these storytelling methods can enhance message delivery and audience participation.

The rapid growth of digital media in Nigeria has transformed the way health information is produced and consumed. Digital media, such as moblephones and social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook are increasingly used to share health-related content in local languages. Digital storytelling combines visual, audio, and textual elements to present messages in engaging and accessible ways. Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of digital health communication in improving awareness and influencing behaviour, especially when messages are tailored to local cultures and languages (Adewale,Yusuf & Ibrahim, 2022). Despite these developments, limited attention has been given to how Hausa digital storytelling specifically influences maternal health-seeking behaviour in Sokoto State.

Literature on maternal health in northern Nigeria has largely focused on service delivery, health outcomes, and policy interventions, with less emphasis on communication processes and audience engagement. While some studies have explored digital health communication broadly, there is a lack of empirical research examining the role of Hausa language digital storytelling in shaping maternal health behaviour. This gap limits the ability of development practitioners to design communication strategies that are both culturally relevant and effective in reaching target populations.

This study contributes to the growing field of development communication by highlighting the role of indigenous language and digital media in improving health outcomes. It provides practical insights for policymakers, health practitioners, and communication experts on how Hausa digital storytelling can be used to promote maternal health-seeking behaviour in Sokoto State. By focusing on culturally grounded communication strategies, the study supports efforts to reduce maternal health risks and improve the overall wellbeing of women in the region.

1.1 Research Questions

1. How is Hausa digital storytelling used in maternal health communication in Sokoto State?

2. To what extent does Hausa digital storytelling influence maternal health seeking behavior?

3. How do women engage with Hausa digital storytelling on maternal health issues?

4. What challenges affect the use of Hausa digital storytelling in maternal health communication?

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Maternal Health Challenges in Sokoto State: Statistics and Burden

Maternal health remains one of the most critical public health challenges in Sokoto State, with the state consistently reporting some of the poorest maternal and child health indicators in Nigeria. Recent evidence indicates that Sokoto has among the lowest levels of antenatal care utilisation and skilled birth attendance in the country, reflecting deep structural and behavioural barriers to healthcare access (Sangwe et al., 2025). The state has an estimated population of about 4.7 million people, with a high proportion of women of reproductive age and widespread poverty, as nearly 87.7 percent of the population lives below the poverty line (Sangwe et al., 2025).

At the national level, Nigeria accounts for a disproportionately high number of global maternal deaths, with about 75,000 deaths recorded in recent years, and northern regions such as Sokoto contribute heavily to this burden due to weak health systems and socio-cultural constraints. Sokoto has been identified as one of the states with the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, prompting targeted interventions by the Federal Government and development partners (Radio Nigeria, 2025)

2.2 Local Government Areas and Spatial Distribution of Maternal Health Challenges

Sokoto State is administratively divided into 23 Local Government Areas, most of which are rural and characterised by limited access to healthcare facilities and infrastructure (Sangwe et al., 2025). Rural LGAs such as Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo and Dange Shuni have been identified as high-priority areas for maternal health interventions due to poor health indices and limited access to skilled care (Radio Nigeria, 2025). These areas often experience shortages of trained health personnel, long distances to health facilities, and inadequate transportation systems, all of which contribute to delays in seeking and receiving maternal healthcare.

UrbanDigital media, such as moble such as Sokoto North and Sokoto South have relatively better access to health facilities, yet utilisation of maternal health services remains low due to persistent socio-cultural barriers and communication gaps. The disparity between urban and rural Local Government Areas underscores the importance of context-specific communication strategies that address local realities. This spatial inequality also suggests that interventions must be tailored to reach women in remote and underserved communities through accessible and culturally relevant channels.

2.3 Causes of Maternal Health Problems in Sokoto State

The major causes of maternal mortality in Sokoto State are largely preventable and include haemorrhage, eclampsia, prolonged labour, sepsis, and complications from unsafe abortion (Abubakar, Ahmed, & Usman, 2021). A verbal autopsy study in Sokoto revealed that haemorrhage alone accounted for nearly half of maternal deaths, followed by eclampsia and obstructed labour. These medical causes are often exacerbated by delays in seeking care, poor access to emergency obstetric services, and inadequate knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy.

Beyond medical factors, socio-economic and cultural conditions play a critical role in shaping maternal health outcomes. High levels of poverty, low female literacy, and limited autonomy among women significantly affect their ability to make informed health decisions. In many Hausa communities, early marriage and high fertility rates increase the risk of maternal complications, while reliance on traditional birth attendants further reduces the likelihood of accessing skilled care. These factors demonstrate that maternal health challenges in Sokoto State are deeply rooted in both structural and cultural contexts.

2.4 Communication Barriers and Health Seeking Behaviour in Sokoto State

Communication barriers remain a major obstacle towards improving maternal health seeking behaviour in Sokoto State. Many women lack access to accurate and timely health information, particularly in rural areas where formal communication channels are limited. Language also plays a crucial role, as health messages delivered in English or other non-indigenous languages often fail to resonate with Hausa-speaking populations. This limits comprehension and reduces the effectiveness of health campaigns.

Studies show that culturally appropriate communication strategies that use local languages and familiar narrative forms are more effective in influencing behaviour (Adewale et al., 2022). In Hausa communities, communication is often embedded in storytelling, proverbs, and oral traditions, which shape how information is interpreted and internalised. Failure to integrate these cultural elements into health communication contributes to low awareness and poor health seeking practices among women.

2.5 Digital Storytelling and Indigenous Language Communication in Maternal Health

Digital storytelling has emerged as a promising tool for development communication, particularly in contexts where traditional media approaches have limited reach. The increasing use of mobile phones and social media platforms in northern Nigeria provides new opportunities for delivering health messages in Hausa language. Digital storytelling combines audio, visuals, and narrative techniques to create engaging content that reflects local realities and experiences.

When applied in maternal health communication, Hausa digital storytelling can enhance understanding, build trust, and encourage behavioural change. It allows health messages to be framed in culturally meaningful ways, using familiar expressions and storytelling patterns. Despite its potential, there is limited empirical research on how Hausa digital storytelling is currently used in Sokoto State and its impact on maternal health seeking behaviour.

The literature shows that maternal health challenges in Sokoto State are severe and influenced by a combination of medical, socio-economic, and communication factors. While significant efforts have been made to improve healthcare services, utilisation remains low, particularly in rural Local Government Areas with limited access to facilities. Existing studies highlight the importance of development communication and digital health interventions but pay limited attention to the role of indigenous language and storytelling in shaping health behaviour.

There is a clear gap in research on how Hausa digital storytelling can be used as a culturally grounded communication strategy to promote maternal health seeking behaviour in Sokoto State. Most existing studies focus on service delivery and technological interventions without adequately addressing language, culture, and audience engagement. This study therefore fills this gap by examining how Hausa digital storytelling can enhance maternal health communication and improve health outcomes in the state.

3.0 Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored on the Narrative Paradigm Theory and supported by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory. These theories provide a strong analytical foundation for understanding how Hausa digital storytelling can influence maternal health seeking behaviour in Sokoto State.

3.1 Narrative Paradigm Theory

The Narrative Paradigm Theory, advanced by Walter Fisher, explains that human beings understand and interpret reality through stories rather than purely through logical argument (Fisher, 1984). The theory introduces two key criteria for evaluating narratives, namely coherence and fidelity. Coherence refers to the internal consistency of a story, while fidelity concerns the extent to which a story aligns with the audience’s cultural values and lived experiences.

Within Hausa-speaking communities, storytelling is deeply embedded in cultural practices and serves as a primary mode of communication. This makes Hausa digital storytelling a culturally appropriate strategy for disseminating maternal health information. When maternal health messages are framed as relatable narratives, they are more likely to be accepted and internalised by women, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas of Sokoto State. Studies indicate that culturally grounded narratives enhance comprehension and recall of health information, thereby supporting behavioural change (Kreuter, Green, Cappella, Slater, Wise, Storey, Clark, O’Keefe, Erwin, Holmes, & Hinyard, 2020, Larkey & Hecht, 2021).

Furthermore, the theory suggests that persuasion is achieved when audiences perceive stories as truthful and relevant to their realities. Hausa digital storytelling, delivered through mobile technologies and social media platforms, combines linguistic familiarity with emotional engagement. This enhances message effectiveness and increases the likelihood of influencing maternal health seeking behaviour, including antenatal care attendance and skilled birth utilisation (Green, 2021).

3.2 Diffusion of Innovations Theory

The Diffusion of Innovations Theory, developed by Everett Rogers, explains how new ideas and practices spread within a social system over time (Rogers, 2003). The theory identifies innovation, communication channels, time, and social systems as critical elements influencing adoption. In this study, Hausa digital storytelling represents an innovative communication approach that integrates traditional narrative forms with modern digital platforms.

The theory posits that individuals are more likely to adopt new behaviours when information is communicated through trusted channels and aligns with existing cultural norms. Hausa digital storytelling meets these conditions by using familiar language and culturally resonant formats. Empirical studies show that locally adapted communication strategies significantly improve the uptake of maternal health services in low-resource settings (Schiavo, 2022; World Health Organization, 2023).

The integration of Narrative Paradigm Theory and Diffusion of Innovations Theory provides a comprehensive framework for analysing the effectiveness of Hausa digital storytelling in maternal health communication. Narrative Paradigm Theory explains how culturally embedded stories shape understanding and influence attitudes, while Diffusion of Innovations Theory explains how such messages spread and lead to behavioural adoption.

Together, these theories highlight the importance of culturally sensitive, language-based, and digitally mediated communication strategies in addressing maternal health challenges in Sokoto State. They support the argument that Hausa digital storytelling is not only a communication tool but also a mechanism for promoting sustainable behaviour change in maternal health practices.

3.3 Research Design

This study adopts a qualitative research design to explore the role of Hausa digital storytelling in promoting maternal health seeking behaviour in Sokoto State. A qualitative approach is appropriate because it enables an in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences, perceptions, and interpretations of maternal health messages conveyed through digital storytelling. It allows the researcher to generate rich and detailed insights into how language, culture, and digital media influence health behaviour within Hausa-speaking communities (Creswell & Poth, 2018).

The study is anchored in an interpretive research paradigm, which focuses on the subjective meanings individuals attach to social realities. This paradigm is suitable for examining how women in Sokoto State interpret Hausa digital storytelling in relation to maternal health practices. It also facilitates the exploration of socio-cultural contexts that shape communication patterns and health decisions (Denzin & Lincoln, 2018).

A case study strategy is employed to focus on selected Local Government Areas in Sokoto State where maternal health challenges are prevalent. The case study design supports an in-depth examination of contemporary phenomena within real-life contexts and allows for the integration of multiple sources of evidence. This approach enhances the robustness of the findings and provides contextual understanding of maternal health communication in Hausa communities (Yin, 2018).

Data are collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. In-depth interviews are conducted with pregnant women, nursing mothers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to obtain diverse perspectives on maternal health communication. Focus group discussions facilitate interactive engagement and enable the researcher to capture shared meanings and collective experiences among participants. These methods are effective for eliciting detailed narratives and uncovering culturally embedded practices (Patton, 2020).

The study adopts purposive sampling to select participants who possess relevant knowledge and experience related to maternal health and digital media use. Participants are selected based on criteria such as residence in Sokoto State, exposure to Hausa digital content, and involvement in maternal health practices. This sampling technique ensures that the data collected are rich and directly relevant to the research objectives (Etikan et al., 2016).

3.4 Population of the Study

The population of this study comprises women of reproductive age, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders involved in maternal health communication in Sokoto State. Sokoto State has an estimated population of about 4.7 million people, with women of reproductive age (15–49 years) constituting a significant proportion of this population (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023). This group is central to maternal health seeking behaviour and forms the primary target for Hausa digital storytelling interventions.

In addition to women of reproductive age, the population includes healthcare workers such as midwives, nurses, and community health extension workers who are directly involved in maternal health service delivery across primary healthcare centres in the state. Community leaders and traditional birth attendants are also included due to their influential role in shaping maternal health decisions within Hausa-speaking communities.

The study further focuses on selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Sokoto State, particularly those with high maternal health burden such as Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Dange Shuni, and Sokoto North. These Local Government Areas were identified in health system reports as areas with significant challenges in maternal health service utilisation and access (Sangwe et al., 2025). The inclusion of both rural and urban Local Government Areas allows for a comparative understanding of how digital storytelling operates across different socio-cultural and infrastructural contexts. The target population is large and diverse, but the study concentrates on individuals who are directly or indirectly involved in maternal health communication and decision-making processes. This ensures that the data generated are relevant, context-specific, and aligned with the objectives of the study.

3.5 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques

The sample size for this qualitative study is determined using the principle of data saturation, where data collection continues until no new themes or insights emerge from participants. In qualitative health research, saturation is widely accepted as the standard for determining adequacy of sample size rather than statistical calculation (Hennink & Kaiser, 2022).

Based on established qualitative research guidance, interviews in relatively homogenous populations typically reach thematic saturation within 9 to 17 in-depth interviews, while focus group discussions may require between 4 to 8 groups depending on study scope and complexity (Wutich et al., 2024). In line with this evidence, the study adopts an estimated sample size of approximately 30 participants, distributed as follows: 20 women of reproductive age (pregnant and nursing mothers); 5 healthcare workers (midwives and community health workers); 3 community leaders or influencers and 2 digital content creators using Hausa language storytelling. This distribution ensures data richness, diversity of perspectives, and depth of understanding regarding Hausa digital storytelling and maternal health seeking behaviour in Sokoto State.

3.6 Sampling Technique

The study employs a combination of purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. Purposive sampling is used to deliberately select participants who have direct experience or knowledge of maternal health practices and exposure to Hausa digital storytelling. This includes pregnant women, nursing mothers, healthcare providers, and community influencers. Purposive sampling is appropriate in qualitative research because it enables the researcher to select information-rich cases that align with the objectives of the study (Palinkas et al., 2015).

4.1 Data Analysis and Findings

Data collected from in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and digital content review were analysed using thematic analysis. The process involved transcription of recorded interviews, repeated reading of data, coding, categorisation and development of themes. Themes were generated in line with the research questions on Hausa digital storytelling and maternal health seeking behaviour in Sokoto State (Braun & Clarke, 2021).

Four major themes emerged from the analysis: exposure to Hausa digital storytelling, influence on maternal health seeking behaviour, cultural relevance of messaging, and barriers to effective utilisation. The findings are presented with illustrative participant responses to reflect lived experiences.

Theme 1: Exposure to Hausa Digital Storytelling on Maternal Health: Participants reported varying levels of exposure to Hausa digital storytelling through WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages and short video platforms. Many women indicated that health messages in Hausa language were more accessible and frequently shared within their social networks. A participant (P1, nursing mother, Sokoto North) stated: “I often receive short Hausa videos on pregnancy care through WhatsApp. They explain things in a way I understand better than English messages.” A healthcare worker (KII2, midwife) added: “Most women now come to the clinic after seeing Hausa health stories shared online, especially on their phones.”

Theme 2: Influence on Maternal Health Seeking Behaviour: Findings revealed that Hausa digital storytelling positively influenced antenatal care attendance and awareness of danger signs during pregnancy. Participants indicated that relatable stories encouraged them to seek professional care earlier. A participant (P7, pregnant woman, Dange Shuni) explained: “When I watched a Hausa story about a woman who delayed going to hospital, I decided not to wait with my pregnancy issues.” Another participant (P3, FGD participant, Isa LGA) noted: “The stories make us realise the importance of going to the clinic early instead of relying only on traditional birth attendants.”

Theme 3: Cultural Relevance and Language Familiarity: Participants emphasised that Hausa language and storytelling style increased trust and understanding of maternal health messages. The use of proverbs, local expressions and familiar scenarios made the messages more persuasive. A participant (P5, nursing mother, Goronyo LGA) said: “When the message is in Hausa and uses stories like our elders tell, it stays in the mind and feels real.” A community leader (KII1, Sabon Birni) added: “People listen more when health messages are told in our language and reflect our way of life.”

Theme 4: Barriers to Effective Use of Hausa Digital Storytelling: Despite its benefits, participants identified challenges such as poor internet access, low digital literacy and spread of misinformation. Some rural women also had limited access to smartphones. A participant (P10, FGD, rural community) stated: “Sometimes we do not see these stories because network is weak or we do not have smartphones.” A healthcare worker (KII3) observed: “Some online health messages are not accurate, and this confuses women about what is correct.”

4.2 Discussion of Findings

This study examined the role of Hausa digital storytelling in promoting maternal health seeking behaviour in Sokoto State. The discussion is structured in line with the research questions and interpreted alongside relevant literature.

1. Hausa Digital Storytelling and Maternal Health Communication

Findings indicate that Hausa digital storytelling is widely accessed through WhatsApp, Facebook and short video platforms, where health messages are shared in familiar language and narrative formats. This aligns with studies that emphasise the growing role of digital platforms in extending maternal health communication in low-resource settings (Ebenso et al., 2021; Akeju, Okusanya, Okunade, Ajepe, Allsop, & Ebens, 2022). The use of Hausa language enhances accessibility and comprehension, particularly among rural women with limited formal education. This supports the argument that indigenous language communication strengthens health message reach and effectiveness in northern Nigeria (Adewale et al., 2022).

The result also reflects the Narrative Paradigm Theory, which posits that individuals are more persuaded by stories that are culturally coherent and relatable (Fisher, 1984). In Sokoto State, Hausa digital storytelling reflects everyday experiences, making maternal health messages more meaningful and easier to internalise.

2. Influence on Maternal Health Seeking Behaviour

The study found that exposure to Hausa digital storytelling positively influences antenatal care attendance and awareness of maternal health risks. Participants reported that stories depicting complications from delayed hospital visits encouraged timely health seeking behaviour. This is consistent with evidence that narrative-based health communication improves behavioural intention and service utilisation (Kreuter et al., 2020).

Similarly, recent digital health studies in Nigeria show that exposure to culturally adapted digital campaigns significantly increases maternal health service uptake, including antenatal visits and facility-based delivery (Lateef, Balogun, & Abike, 2025).This suggests that storytelling not only informs but also motivates behavioural change by appealing to emotions and lived experiences.

3. Cultural Relevance and Language Familiarity

Findings reveal that Hausa language and cultural storytelling formats significantly enhance trust, understanding and message retention. Participants emphasised that proverbs, familiar expressions and moral narratives increase the credibility of health messages. This aligns with Larkey and Hecht (2021), who argue that culturally grounded storytelling improves audience engagement and behavioural outcomes in health communication.

The result also supports the Narrative Paradigm Theory (Fisher, 1984), which explains that people accept messages that align with their cultural values and lived realities. In Sokoto State, Hausa digital storytelling resonates strongly because it reflects shared cultural norms and communication traditions.

4. Barriers to Effective Use of Hausa Digital Storytelling

Despite its effectiveness, several challenges were identified, including poor internet access, limited smartphone ownership and misinformation. These findings are consistent with previous research showing that digital health interventions in rural Nigeria are constrained by infrastructural and literacy gaps (Ebenso et al., 2021). Digital inequality remains a significant barrier to equitable health communication in underserved communities.

4.3 Findings

1. Hausa digital storytelling is widely accessed through mobile platforms in Sokoto State.

2. It positively influences maternal health seeking behaviour, especially antenatal care utilization.

3. Cultural and linguistic relevance increases trust and message retention.

4. Barriers include digital divide, misinformation and limited access to devices

5.1 Conclusion

This study examined the role of Hausa digital storytelling in promoting maternal health seeking behaviour in Sokoto State, Nigeria. It established that Hausa digital storytelling is an emerging and effective communication strategy that enhances maternal health awareness, improves understanding of health risks, and encourages timely utilisation of maternal health services. The use of Hausa language and culturally familiar narrative forms strengthens message clarity, trust, and audience engagement among women of reproductive age.

The findings show that exposure to Hausa digital stories through mobile platforms influences positive behavioural change, particularly in antenatal care attendance and recognition of pregnancy-related danger signs. However, despite its effectiveness, challenges such as limited digital access, low literacy levels, and misinformation continue to constrain its full potential. These barriers highlight the need for inclusive communication strategies that address both technological and socio-cultural limitations.

The study concludes that integrating Hausa language storytelling with digital communication platforms offers a sustainable pathway for improving maternal health outcomes in Sokoto State. It further demonstrates that culturally grounded communication is essential for effective development communication in Hausa-speaking communities. Strengthening this approach will contribute to reducing maternal health risks and improving overall health-seeking behaviour among women in the region.

5.2 Recommendations

1. Health agencies and development partners should integrate Hausa digital storytelling into maternal health communication strategies to improve awareness, comprehension and positive health seeking behaviour among women in Sokoto State.

2. Government and relevant stakeholders should strengthen digital infrastructure in rural Local Government Areas to improve access to smartphones, internet connectivity and maternal health information delivered through Hausa digital platforms.

3. Healthcare providers should collaborate with Hausa digital content creators to produce accurate, culturally relevant and engaging storytelling materials that promote antenatal care attendance and safe delivery practices.

4. Community and religious leaders should be involved in the dissemination of Hausa digital storytelling messages to enhance trust, credibility and wider acceptance of maternal health information within local communities.

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