| Title | Achieving Sustainability and Scale-Up of Mobile Health Noncommunicable Disease Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: Views of Policy Makers in Ghana. |
| Authors | Opoku, D; Busse, R; Quentin, W |
| Journal | JMIR mHealth and uHealth |
| Publication Date | 3 May 2019 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 9 May 2019 |
| Abstract | A growing body of evidence shows that mobile health (mHealth) interventions may improve treatment and care for the rapidly rising number of patients with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A recent realist review developed a framework highlighting the influence of context factors, including predisposing characteristics, needs, and enabling resources (PNE), for the long-term success of mHealth interventions. The views of policy makers will ultimately determine implementation and scale-up of mHealth interventions in SSA. However, their views about necessary conditions for sustainability and scale-up remain unexplored. This study aimed to understand the views of policy makers in Ghana with regard to the most important factors for successful implementation, sustainability, and scale-up of mHealth NCD interventions. Members of the technical working group responsible for Ghana's national NCD policy were interviewed about their knowledge of and attitude toward mHealth and about the most important factors contributing to long-term intervention success. Using qualitative methods and applying a qualitative content analysis approach, answers were categorized according to the PNE framework. A total of 19 policy makers were contacted and 13 were interviewed. Interviewees had long-standing work experience of an average of 26 years and were actively involved in health policy making in Ghana. They were well-informed about the potential of mHealth, and they strongly supported mHealth expansion in the country. Guided by the PNE framework's categories, the policy makers ascertained which critical factors would support the successful implementation of mHealth interventions in Ghana. The policy makers mentioned many factors described in the literature as important for mHealth implementation, sustainability, and scale-up, but they focused more on enabling resources than on predisposing characteristics and need. Furthermore, they mentioned several factors that have been rather unexplored in the literature. The study shows that the PNE framework is useful to guide policy makers toward a more systematic assessment of context factors that support intervention implementation, sustainability, and scale-up. Furthermore, the framework was refined by adding additional factors. Policy makers may benefit from using the PNE framework at the various stages of mHealth implementation. Researchers may (and should) use the framework when investigating reasons for success (or failure) of interventions. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.2196/11497 |
| Title | Development and evaluation of a digital, community-based intervention to reduce noncommunicable disease risk in a low-resource urban setting in Malaysia: a research protocol. |
| Authors | Kataria, I; Ngongo, C; Lim, SC; Kocher, E; Kowal, P; Chandran, A; Kual, A; Khaw, FM; Mustapha, FI |
| Journal | Implementation science communications |
| Publication Date | 1 Dec 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 10 Oct 2020 |
| Abstract | Noncommunicable disease burden is rising in Malaysia, accounting for 72% of all deaths. Urbanization and globalization have contributed to changing patterns of diet and physical activity, creating an obesogenic environment that increases noncommunicable disease risk, especially in low-income populations. Community-based and technological interventions can play an important role in addressing structural determinants that influence noncommunicable disease burden. The Better Health Programme Malaysia aims to co-create and develop a community-based digital intervention for low-income populations to enable community stakeholders to address obesogenic environments and improve people's knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to noncommunicable disease risk. This quasi-experimental study will assess community member and community health volunteer knowledge, attitudes, and practices on noncommunicable disease prevention, risk factors, and health-seeking behavior in three geographical areas of Kuala Lumpur, each representing a different ethnicity (Malay, Indian, and Chinese). Assessment will take place before and after a 9-month intervention period, comparing intervention areas with matched control geographies. We plan to engage 2880 community members and 45 community health volunteers across the six geographic areas. A digital health needs assessment will inform modification of digital health tools to support project aims. Intervention co-creation will use a discrete choice experiment to identify community preferences among evidence-based intervention options, building from data collected on community knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Community health volunteers will work with local businesses and other stakeholders to effect change in obesogenic environments and NCD risk. The study has been approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Health Medical Research Ethical Committee. The Better Health Programme Malaysia anticipates a bottom-up approach that relies on community health volunteers collaborating with local businesses to implement activities that address obesogenic environments and improve community knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to NCD risk. The planned co-creation process will determine which interventions will be most locally relevant, feasible, and needed. The effort aims to empower community members and community health volunteers to drive change that improves their own health and wellbeing. The learnings can be useful nationally and sub-nationally in Malaysia, as well as across similar settings that are working with community stakeholders to reduce noncommunicable disease risk. National Medical Research Register, Malaysia; NMRR-20-1004-54787 (IIR); July 7, 2020. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-020-00080-y |
| Title | Ethics Considerations in Global Mobile Phone-Based Surveys of Noncommunicable Diseases: A Conceptual Exploration. |
| Authors | Ali, J; Labrique, AB; Gionfriddo, K; Pariyo, G; Gibson, DG; Pratt, B; Deutsch-Feldman, M; Hyder, AA |
| Journal | Journal of medical Internet research |
| Publication Date | 5 May 2017 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 10 May 2017 |
| Abstract | Mobile phone coverage has grown, particularly within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), presenting an opportunity to augment routine health surveillance programs. Several LMICs and global health partners are seeking opportunities to launch basic mobile phone-based surveys of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The increasing use of such technology in LMICs brings forth a cluster of ethical challenges; however, much of the existing literature regarding the ethics of mobile or digital health focuses on the use of technologies in high-income countries and does not consider directly the specific ethical issues associated with the conduct of mobile phone surveys (MPS) for NCD risk factor surveillance in LMICs. In this paper, we explore conceptually several of the central ethics issues in this domain, which mainly track the three phases of the MPS process: predata collection, during data collection, and postdata collection. These include identifying the nature of the activity; stakeholder engagement; appropriate design; anticipating and managing potential harms and benefits; consent; reaching intended respondents; data ownership, access and use; and ensuring LMIC sustainability. We call for future work to develop an ethics framework and guidance for the use of mobile phones for disease surveillance globally. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7326 |
| Title | End User and Implementer Experiences of mHealth Technologies for Noncommunicable Chronic Disease Management in Young Adults: Systematic Review. |
| Authors | Slater, H; Campbell, JM; Stinson, JN; Burley, MM; Briggs, AM |
| Journal | Journal of medical Internet research |
| Publication Date | 12 Dec 2017 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 14 Dec 2017 |
| Abstract | Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, and persistent musculoskeletal pain impose an escalating and unsustainable burden on young people, their families, and society. Exploring how mobile health (mHealth) technologies can support management for young people with NCDs is imperative. The aim of this study was to identify, appraise, and synthesize available qualitative evidence on users' experiences of mHealth technologies for NCD management in young people. We explored the perspectives of both end users (young people) and implementers (health policy makers, clinicians, and researchers). A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Eligibility criteria included full reports published in peer-reviewed journals from January 2007 to December 2016, searched across databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and PsycINFO. All qualitative studies that evaluated the use of mHealth technologies to support young people (in the age range of 15-24 years) in managing their chronic NCDs were considered. Two independent reviewers identified eligible reports and conducted critical appraisal (based on the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument: JBI-QARI). Three reviewers independently, then collaboratively, synthesized and interpreted data through an inductive and iterative process to derive emergent themes across the included data. External validity checking was undertaken by an expert clinical researcher and for relevant content, a health policy expert. Themes were subsequently subjected to a meta-synthesis, with findings compared and contrasted between user groups and policy and practice recommendations derived. Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria. Among studies of end users (N=7), mHealth technologies supported the management of young people with diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Implementer studies (N=5) covered the management of cognitive and communicative disabilities, asthma, chronic self-harm, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Quality ratings were higher for implementer compared with end user studies. Both complementary and unique user themes emerged. Themes derived for end users of mHealth included (1) Experiences of functionality that supported self-management, (2) Acceptance (technical usability and feasibility), (3) Importance of codesign, and (4) Perceptions of benefit (self-efficacy and empowerment). For implementers, derived themes included (1) Characteristics that supported self-management (functional, technical, and behavior change); (2) Implementation challenges (systems level, service delivery level, and clinical level); (3) Adoption considerations for specific populations (training end users; specific design requirements); and (4) Codesign and tailoring to facilitate uptake and person-centered care. Synthesizing available data revealed both complementary and unique user perspectives on enablers and barriers to designing, developing, and implementing mHealth technologies to support young people's management of their chronic NCDs. PROSPERO CRD42017056317; http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD 42017056317 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6vZ5UkKLp). |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.8888 |
| Title | mHealth Interventions to Counter Noncommunicable Diseases in Developing Countries: Still an Uncertain Promise. |
| Authors | Beratarrechea, A; Moyano, D; Irazola, V; Rubinstein, A |
| Journal | Cardiology clinics |
| Publication Date | 1 Feb 2017 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 26 Nov 2016 |
| Abstract | mHealth constitutes a promise for health care delivery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where health care systems are unprepared to combat the threat of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This article assesses the impact of mHealth on NCD outcomes in LMICs. A systematic review identified controlled studies evaluating mHealth interventions that addressed NCDs in LMICs. From the 1274 abstracts retrieved, 108 articles were selected for full text review and 20 randomized controlled trials were included from 14 LMICs. One-way SMS was the most commonly used mobile function to deliver reminders, health education, and information. mHealth interventions in LMICs have positive but modest effects on chronic disease outcomes. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccl.2016.08.009 |
| Title | Telemedicine in Camp Mode While Screening for Noncommunicable Diseases: A Preliminary Report from India. |
| Authors | Ganapathy, K; Nukala, L; Premanand, S; Tamilmaran, P; Aggarwal, P; Saksena, S; BrindhaDevi, SP |
| Journal | Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association |
| Publication Date | 1 Jan 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 26 Mar 2019 |
| Abstract | Introduction: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major cause of disease burden. NCDs are a global epidemic and India is no exception. Risk factors contributing to NCDs can be detected before symptoms occur. Screening is an effective tool. Real-time teleconsultation during screening is a value-added service. This preliminary report documents the process and observations during teleconsultations provided in NCD screening camps, across multiple locations in India. That real-time teleconsultations in camp mode make a difference and are relevant in India is discussed. Materials and Methods: To provide awareness about risk factors of common NCDs such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and anemia, screening camps were conducted. A 22-member field team organizes internet-enabled camps using point-of-care diagnostics. Software was developed to capture participant details and provide decision support to the field team. This resulted in identification of participants eligible for teleconsultations. Participants with risk factors of the targeted NCDs (hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia) were offered teleconsultations during screening. Currently, the program is active across six locations (Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Delhi National Capital Region, Kolkata, Pune, and Vijayawada) in India. Results: Since program inception from August 27, 2015 to October 31, 2018, a total of 757,325 participants have been screened. Twenty-seven thousand three hundred fifty-three participants were eligible for teleconsultations. Thirteen thousand six hundred fifteen availed onsite teleconsultations; 99.8% of the 1409 teleconsultation beneficiaries surveyed were "extremely satisfied and very happy." Conclusion: Providing real-time teleconsultations to 13,615 individuals "at risk" of specific NCDs from six centers across India is doable and well received by beneficiaries. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2018.0300 |
| Title | A Telephone Surveillance System for Noncommunicable Diseases in Brazil. |
| Authors | Enes, CC; Nucci, LB |
| Journal | Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974) |
| Publication Date | 1 Dec |
| Date Added to PubMed | 18 May 2019 |
| Abstract | |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1177/0033354919848741 |
| Title | Using Mobile Health to Enhance Outcomes of Noncommunicable Diseases Care in Rural Settings and Refugee Camps: Randomized Controlled Trial. |
| Authors | Saleh, S; Farah, A; Dimassi, H; El Arnaout, N; Constantin, J; Osman, M; El Morr, C; Alameddine, M |
| Journal | JMIR mHealth and uHealth |
| Publication Date | 13 Jul 2018 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 15 Jul 2018 |
| Abstract | Rural areas and refugee camps are characterized by poor access of patients to needed noncommunicable disease (NCD)-related health services, including diabetes and hypertension. Employing low-cost innovative eHealth interventions, such as mobile health (mHealth), may help improve NCDs prevention and control among disadvantaged populations. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of employing low-cost mHealth tools on the accessibility to health services and improvement of health indicators of individuals with NCDs in rural areas and refugee camps in Lebanon. This is a randomized controlled trial study in which centers were allocated randomly into control and intervention sites. The effect of an employed mHealth intervention is assessed through selected quality indicators examined in both control and intervention groups. Sixteen primary health care centers (eight controls, eight interventions) located in rural areas and Palestinian refugee camps across Lebanon were included in this study. Data on diabetic and hypertensive patients-1433 in the intervention group and 926 in the control group-was extracted from patient files in the pre and postintervention periods. The intervention entailed weekly short message service messages, including medical information, importance of compliance, and reminders of appointments or regular physician follow-up. Internationally established care indicators were utilized in this study. Descriptive analysis of baseline characteristics of participants, bivariate analysis, logistic and linear regression were conducted using SPSS (IBM Corp). Bivariate analysis of quality indicators indicated that the intervention group had a significant increase in blood pressure control (P=.03), as well as a significant decrease in the mean systolic blood pressure (P=.02), mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; P<.01), and in the proportion of HbA1c poor control (P=.02). Separate regression models controlling for age, gender, and setting showed a 28% increase in the odds of blood pressure control (P=.05) and a 38% decrease in the odds of HbA1c poor control (P=.04) among the intervention group in the posttest period. Females were at lower odds of HbA1c poor control (P=.01), and age was statistically associated with annual HbA1c testing (P<.01). Regression models for mean systolic blood pressure, mean diastolic blood pressure, and mean HbA1c showed that a mean decrease in HbA1c of 0.87% (P<.01) pretest to posttest period was observed among the intervention group. Patients in rural areas belonging to the intervention group had a lower HbA1c score as compared with those in refugee camps (P<.01). This study underlines the importance of employing integrative approaches of diseases prevention and control in which existing NCD programs in underserved communities (ie, rural and refugee camps settings) are coupled with innovative, low-cost approaches such as mHealth to provide an effective and amplified effect of traditional NCD-targeted care that can be reflected by improved NCD-related health indicators among the population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03580330; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03580330 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/70mhVEUwQ). |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.8146 |
| Title | Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors and Mobile Phones: A Proposed Research Agenda. |
| Authors | Hyder, AA; Wosu, AC; Gibson, DG; Labrique, AB; Ali, J; Pariyo, GW |
| Journal | Journal of medical Internet research |
| Publication Date | 5 May 2017 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 10 May 2017 |
| Abstract | Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for two-thirds of all deaths globally, with 75% of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many LMICs seek cost-effective methods to obtain timely and quality NCD risk factor data that could inform resource allocation, policy development, and assist evaluation of NCD trends over time. Over the last decade, there has been a proliferation of mobile phone ownership and access in LMICs, which, if properly harnessed, has great potential to support risk factor data collection. As a supplement to traditional face-to-face surveys, the ubiquity of phone ownership has made large proportions of most populations reachable through cellular networks. However, critical gaps remain in understanding the ways by which mobile phone surveys (MPS) could aid in collection of NCD data in LMICs. Specifically, limited information exists on the optimization of these surveys with regard to incentives and structure, comparative effectiveness of different MPS modalities, and key ethical, legal, and societal issues (ELSI) in the development, conduct, and analysis of these surveys in LMIC settings. We propose a research agenda that could address important knowledge gaps in optimizing MPS for the collection of NCD risk factor data in LMICs and provide an example of a multicountry project where elements of that agenda aim to be integrated over the next two years. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7246 |
| Title | Adaptation of a mobile phone health survey for risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in Colombia: a qualitative study. |
| Authors | Torres-Quintero, A; Vega, A; Gibson, DG; Rodriguez-Patarroyo, M; Puerto, S; Pariyo, GW; Ali, J; Hyder, AA; Labrique, A; Selig, H; Peñaloza, RE; Vecino-Ortiz, AI |
| Journal | Global health action |
| Publication Date | 31 Dec 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 29 Aug 2020 |
| Abstract | Data collection on noncommunicable disease (NCD) behavioral risk factors has traditionally been carried out through face-to-face surveys. However, its high costs and logistical difficulties can lead to lack of timely statistics for planning, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Mobile phone surveys (MPS) have the potential to fill these gaps. This study explores perceptions, feasibility and strategies to increase the acceptability and response rate of health surveys administered through MPS using interactive voice response in Colombia. A sequential multimodal exploratory design was used. We conducted key informant interviews (KII) with stakeholders from government and academia; focus group discussions (FGDs) and user-group tests (UGTs) with young adults and elderly people living in rural and urban settings (men and women). The KII and FGDs explored perceptions of using mobile phones for NCD surveys. In the UGTs, participants were administered an IVR survey, and they provided feedback on its usability and potential improvement. Between February and November 2017, we conducted 7 KII, 6 FGDs (n = 54) and 4 UGTs (n = 34). Most participants consider MPS is a novel way to explore risk factors in NCDs. They also recognize challenges for their implementation including security issues, technological literacy and telecommunications coverage, especially in rural areas. It was recommended to promote the survey using mass media before its deployment and stressing its objectives, responsible institution and data privacy safeguards. The preferences in the survey administration relate to factors such as skills in the use of mobile phones, age, availability of time and educational level. The participants recommend questionnaires shorter than 10 minutes. The possibility of obtaining data through MPS at a population level represents an opportunity to improve the availability of risk-factor data. Steps towards increasing the acceptability and overcoming technological and methodological challenges need to be taken. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2020.1809841 |