Journal of Public Health (United Kingdom)
Volume 40, 2018, Pages II52-II63

MHealth use for non-communicable diseases care in primary health: Patients' perspective from rural settings and refugee camps (Article) (Open Access)

Saleh S. , Farah A. , El Arnaout N. , Dimassi H. , El Morr C. , Muntaner C. , Ammar W. , Hamadeh R. , Alameddine M.*
  • a Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon, Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
  • b Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
  • c Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
  • d Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
  • e School of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, Canada
  • f Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • g Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
  • h Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
  • i Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 85% of deaths in Lebanon and contribute to remarkable morbidity and mortality among refugees and underserved populations. This study assesses the perspectives of individuals with hypertension and/or diabetes in rural areas and Palestinian refugee camps towards a population based mHealth intervention called eSahha'. Methods The study employs a mixed-methods design to evaluate the effectiveness of SMSs on self-reported perceptions of lifestyle modifications. Quantitative data was collected through phone surveys, and qualitative data through focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were performed. Results About 93.9% (n = 1000) of respondents perceived the SMSs as useful and easy to read and understand. About 76.9% reported compliance with SMSs through daily behavioral modifications. Women (P = 0.007), people aged ≥76 years (P < 0.001), unemployed individuals (P < 0.001), individuals who only read and write (P < 0.001) or those who are illiterate (P < 0.001) were significantly more likely to receive and not read the SMSs. Behavior change across settings was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion While SMS-based interventions targeting individuals with hypertension and/or diabetes were generally satisfactory among those living in rural areas and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, a more tailored approach for older, illiterate and unemployed individuals is needed. Keywords e-health, refugees. © 2018 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Refugees E-health

Index Keywords

information processing refugee human Refugees middle aged Aged Arab Arabs procedures Surveys and Questionnaires Lebanon Humans male female questionnaire refugee camp Refugee Camps adult non communicable disease text messaging Telemedicine rural health care Focus Groups primary health care Noncommunicable Diseases Cell Phone mobile phone Rural Health Services
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85058918966&doi=10.1093%2fpubmed%2ffdy172&partnerID=40&md5=74d715116737ff428edee3e044df2080
DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy172
ISSN: 17413842
Original Language: English