The role of mHealth in chronic disease management in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Abstract Background The burden of non-communicable diseases has been increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly due to the adoption of behavioral risk factors by the population. At the same time, there has been an exponential growth in the information and communication technologies sector, which has attracted interest in the development of mobile health strategies (mHealth) through the potential use of mobile phones in the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension. Methods It was performed a systematic review of the literature using scientific databases (Cochrane, B On, Science Direct, and Google Scholar). Inclusion criteria included: quantitative and qualitative studies developed between 2010 and 2018 in Sub-Saharan African countries, with adult participants of both sexes, diagnosed with hypertension, with access to mobile phones and attending primary health care or outpatient appointments. Results Five studies were selected for review (four from South Africa and one from Ghana). However, only two studies managed to obtain results which proved that the use of text messages was efficient and accepted during hypertension treatment, as well as it could allow understanding the factors that influence and hinder therapeutic adherence. Those results were supported by information from a randomized trial (use of clinical comparators as evaluation of blood pressure values during a follow-up period of 12 months) and a qualitative study (self-reported changes in the knowledge and health behavior of 15 participants from focus groups and individual interviews). Conclusions There's still a lack of evidence available proving that mHealth can be efficient and feasible in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, it was possible to present a conceptual framework, adapted from the literature, which identifies potential strategies for the use of mHealth in areas of prevention and management of chronic diseases in the region. Key messages Provide guidance to improve research about the adoption of mHealth in low and middle-income countries. Promote the potential of this type of technology as a model for mutual health education.