Use of mHealth for cardiovascular disease in low- and middle-income countries with low peace: systematic review and recommendations. (4th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Cynthia; Asi, Yara M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of humanitarian technology. Volume 1:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 118
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2021-01-04
• Subjects: mobile health -- mHealth -- cardiovascular disease -- CVD -- low- and middle-income countries -- LMIC -- peace -- non-communicable diseases -- NCDs -- fragile
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-6549

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with a disproportionately high rate in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Humanitarian agencies should seek innovative methods to alleviate CVD. The goal of this paper is to review evidence on the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) as a means for CVD care in fragile environments. A systematic method using PRISMA standards was conducted using three bibliographic databases. Descriptive analysis was applied, and a quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, Cochrane qualitative appraisal tool, and Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment. The databases yielded 2, 732 citations after duplicates were removed, with 111 suitable for detailed screening based on our criteria. Six met the inclusion criteria: three randomised control trials, two qualitative studies, and one cohort study. There is potential to improve patient health using mHealth as an adjunct to CVD care.