Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40997058›Full record

ArticlePloS one2025

Implementation of a marketing plan for the dissemination of the WHO SkinNTDs app in Cameroon.

Henri Claude Moungui, Paul Tonkoung Iyawa, Hugues Nana-Djeunga, Jose Antonio Ruiz-Postigo, Carme Carrion

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Henri Claude MounguiUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.ORCID 0000-0001-7085-1271
Paul Tonkoung IyawaHelen Keller International, Maroua, Cameroon.
Hugues Nana-DjeungaHigher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research, Yaounde, Cameroon.ORCID 0000-0002-4496-6048
Jose Antonio Ruiz-PostigoPrevention, Treatment and Care Unit, Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Carme CarrionUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.ORCID 0000-0003-1479-7551

Funding

World Health Organization 001
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSkin-related neglected tropical diseases (sNTDs) remain a significant public health challenge in Cameroon, where limited resources, training, and infrastructure hinder early diagnosis and management. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the SkinNTDs app version 3.0 as a digital solution to assist frontline healthcare workers (FHWs) in recognizing and managing sNTDs. As utilization will rely on a high degree of awareness among FHWs, a dedicated and effective marketing plan is required. This study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a structured marketing plan to promote the app among FHWs in Cameroon.

methodsWe conducted a pilot quasi‑experimental before‑and‑after study comparing three 6‑month phases-pre‑campaign, campaign, and post‑campaign. The multi‑channel marketing campaign combined communications via WhatsApp, in‑person training sessions, video presentations, and email outreach. Google Play Console Analytics provided monthly metrics on store listing visits, downloads, installations, uninstalls, and retention.

resultsDuring the campaign (1 April 2024-30 September 2024), store page visits totaled 961, yielding 616 downloads (conversion rate = 64.1%) and the app was installed 751 times; new-user acquisition exceeded 81.6%. Net installs surged by 227.3% in April and 140.4% in May, with retention above 88%. ANOVA revealed significant period effects on growth rate (p = 0.007, ε² = 0.591), loss rate (p = 0.011, η² = 0.452), churn rate (p = 0.003, η² = 0.532), and retention rate (p = 0.003, η² = 0.532), with campaign performance superior to pre‑ and post‑campaign phases. Interrupted time series analyses found gradual adoption and sustained retention following intervention start, but significant decrease at campaign end.

conclusionA context‑adapted, multi‑channel marketing strategy markedly improved adoption and retention of the WHO SkinNTDs app among Cameroonian FHWs. Digital (WhatsApp, videos) and face‑to‑face (training) channels were complementary. Sustained integration into routine health activities and automated re‑engagement tools are recommended to maintain long‑term use and inform scale‑up in other endemic settings.

Indexed as

MarketingMobile ApplicationsNeglected DiseasesSkin DiseasesCameroonHealth PersonnelHumansPilot ProjectsWorld Health Organization

Identifiers

PMID40997058
PMCPMC12463274

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.