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

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V M Pedrosa ◽  
A V Abrantes
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan

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.

scholarly journals Incidence of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2000–2015: The Interplay Between Social Determinants and Behavioral Risk Factors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepa Jahagirdar ◽  
Magdalene Walters ◽  
Avina Vongpradith ◽  
Xiaochen Dai ◽  
Amanda Novotney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Hiv Incidence ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Final Model ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Disease Study

AbstractHIV incidence in sub-Saharan Africa declined substantially between 2000 and 2015. In this analysis, we consider the relative associations of nine structural and individual determinants with this decline. A linear mixed effects model of logged HIV incidence rates versus determinants was used. The data were from mathematical modelling as part of the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study in 43 sub-Saharan African countries. We used forwards selection to determine a single final model of HIV incidence rate. The association of economic variables and HIV knowledge with incidence was found to be driven by education, while ART coverage had the largest impact on other determinants’ coefficients. In the final model, education years per capita contributed the most to explaining variation in HIV incidence rates; a 1-year increase in mean education years was associated with a 0.39 (− 0.56; − 0.2, t = − 4.48 p < 0.01) % decline in incidence rate while a unit increase in ART coverage was associated with a 0.81 (− 1.34; − 0.28, t = − 3.01, p < 0.01) % decline in incidence rate.

scholarly journals Preventing Multimorbidity with Lifestyle Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A New Challenge for Public Health in Low and Middle-Income Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12449
Author(s):  
Ahmad Alkhatib ◽  
Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi ◽  
Brian Mujuni ◽  
Geofrey Amanya ◽  
Charles Ibingira
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Lifestyle Interventions ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Non Communicable Diseases ◽  
Economic Disparity ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan

Objectives: Low and Middle-Income Countries are experiencing a fast-paced epidemiological rise in clusters of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, forming an imminent rise in multimorbidity. However, preventing multimorbidity has received little attention in LMICs, especially in Sub-Saharan African Countries. Methods: Narrative review which scoped the most recent evidence in LMICs about multimorbidity determinants and appropriated them for potential multimorbidity prevention strategies. Results: MMD in LMICs is affected by several determinants including increased age, female sex, environment, lower socio-economic status, obesity, and lifestyle behaviours, especially poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Multimorbidity public health interventions in LMICs, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa are currently impeded by local and regional economic disparity, underdeveloped healthcare systems, and concurrent prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases. However, lifestyle interventions that are targeted towards preventing highly prevalent multimorbidity clusters, especially hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, can provide early prevention of multimorbidity, especially within Sub-Saharan African countries with emerging economies and socio-economic disparity. Conclusion: Future public health initiatives should consider targeted lifestyle interventions and appropriate policies and guidelines in preventing multimorbidity in LMICs.

The Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Health Service Delivery in Namibia

2010 ◽  
pp. 191-206
Author(s):  
Meke I. Shivute ◽  
Blessing M. Maumbe
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Service Delivery ◽  
Health Service Providers ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have transformed health service delivery (HSD) in developing countries although the benefits are not yet fully understood. This chapter examines the use of ICT for HSD in the Namibian context. To obtain insights into the extent and degree of the current ICT uses, the chapter begins by mapping a HSD landscape for Namibia. The reported ICT use patterns are based on a primary survey of 134 patients and key informant interviews held with 27 health service providers (HSPs) in Khomas and Oshana regions of Namibia. The results from the survey indicate that Namibian patients use diverse range of ICT to access health services including the traditional television and radio, and the more modern mobile phones and computers to a limited extent. HSPs reported the growing use of ICT in various functional areas such as admissions, clinical support, family planning, maternity, and emergency services. The chapter identifies key challenges and policy implications to enhance the uptake of ICT-based health services in Namibia. The relatively high penetration rates of traditional ICT such as televisions and radios coupled with a growing use of mobile phones presents new alternative opportunities for expanding HSD to Namibian patients in remote settings. The chapter will benefit HSP and patients as they decide on affordable technology choices; and policy makers as they design interventions to stimulate the use of ICT in HSD in Namibia. The results provide key insights for other Sub-Saharan African countries contemplating ICT integration in health services.

The Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Health Service Delivery in Namibia

2011 ◽  
pp. 1074-1089
Author(s):  
Meke I. Shivute ◽  
Blessing M. Maumbe
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Service Delivery ◽  
Health Service Providers ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have transformed health service delivery (HSD) in developing countries although the benefits are not yet fully understood. This chapter examines the use of ICT for HSD in the Namibian context. To obtain insights into the extent and degree of the current ICT uses, the chapter begins by mapping a HSD landscape for Namibia. The reported ICT use patterns are based on a primary survey of 134 patients and key informant interviews held with 27 health service providers (HSPs) in Khomas and Oshana regions of Namibia. The results from the survey indicate that Namibian patients use diverse range of ICT to access health services including the traditional television and radio, and the more modern mobile phones and computers to a limited extent. HSPs reported the growing use of ICT in various functional areas such as admissions, clinical support, family planning, maternity, and emergency services. The chapter identifies key challenges and policy implications to enhance the uptake of ICT-based health services in Namibia. The relatively high penetration rates of traditional ICT such as televisions and radios coupled with a growing use of mobile phones presents new alternative opportunities for expanding HSD to Namibian patients in remote settings. The chapter will benefit HSP and patients as they decide on affordable technology choices; and policy makers as they design interventions to stimulate the use of ICT in HSD in Namibia. The results provide key insights for other Sub-Saharan African countries contemplating ICT integration in health services.

The Emerging Market of Sub-Saharan Africa and Technology Adoption

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice S. Etim
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
The United States ◽  
Emerging Economy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Study Participants

In the United States, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and several emerging economies in Asia, mobile technologies have become ubiquitous and core to everyday lives. The same cannot be said for many countries in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). The availability, affordability and use of information and communication technology (ICT) continue to pose a major challenge to the progress of this important emerging economy and their participation in a networked and “flat world.” Writers (Bishop et al., 1999; ADB, 2003; Fisher et al., 2004; Elijah & Ogunlade, 2006; Etim, 2009; Ssewanyana, 2007) argue for the use of ICT to enable the SSA population in the area of economic and personal development. This paper examines the emerging economy of SSA adoption of mobile technologies in comparison to the U.S.A and reports a study on the features that SSA students desire in mobile phones. The key finding was that study participants desired Internet access via mobile phones.

P1586Research network in Africa (RNA): antihypertensive drugs strategies in 12 African countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Kane ◽  
P Cavagna ◽  
I B Diop ◽  
B Gaye ◽  
J B Mipinda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background High Blood Pressure is the worldwide leading global burden of disease risk factor. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the number of adults with raised blood pressure has alarmingly increased from 0.59 to 1.13 billion between 1975 and 2015. Blood pressure-lowering medicines are cornerstone of cardiovascular risk reduction. Data on management of anti-hypertensive drugs in sub-Saharan Africa are squarce. Purpose Our study aims to describe antihypertensive drugs strategies in Africa. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in urban clinics during outpatient consultation specialized in hypertension cardiology departments of 29 medical centers from 17 cities across 12 African countries (Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Mozambic, Niger, Senegal, Togo). Data were collected on demographics, treatment and standardized BP measures were made among the hypertensive patients attending the clinics. Country income was retrieved from the World Bank database. All analyses were performed through scripts developed in the R software (3.4.1 (2017–06–30)). Results A total of 2198 hypertensive patients (58.4±11.8 years; 39.9% male) were included. Among whom 2123 (96.6%) had at least one antihypertensive drug. Overall, 30.8% (n=653) received monotherapy and calcium-channel blockers (49.6%) were the most common monotherapy prescribed follow by diuretics (18.7%). Two-drug strategies were prescribed for 927 patients (43.6%). Diuretics and Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors was the combination most frequently prescribed (33.7%). Combination of three drugs or more was used in 25.6% (n=543) of patients. The proportion of drugs strategies differed significantly according to countries (p<0.001), monotherapy ranged from 12.7% in Niger to 47.1% in Democratic Republic of the Congo (figure). Furthermore we observed a significantly difference of strategies between low and middle income countries (55.3% and 44.7% of monotherapy respectively) (p<0.001). According to hypertension grades 1, 2 and 3, the proportion of three-drugs or more combination was 25%, 28% and 34% in middle-income and lower in low-income countries (18%, 19% and 25%). Furthermore, Grade 3 hypertension in low income countries was still treated with monotherapy (36%) instead of 19% in middle income countries (p<0.01). Antihypertensive strategies by country Conclusion Our study described antihypertensive drugs use across 12 sub-Saharan countries, and identified disparities specific to the income context. Inequity in access to drugs combination is a serious barrier to tackle the burden of hypertension in Africa.

scholarly journals The mobile phone as an argument for good governance in sub-Saharan Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 897-920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simplice Asongu ◽  
Sara le Roux ◽  
Jacinta C. Nwachukwu ◽  
Chris Pyke
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Inquiry ◽  
Governance Indicators ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical and empirical arguments for the role of mobile telephony in promoting good governance in 47 sub-Saharan African countries for the period 2000–2012. Design/methodology/approach The empirical inquiry uses an endogeneity-robust GMM approach with forward orthogonal deviations to analyze the linkage between mobile phone usage and the variation in three broad governance categories – political, economic and institutional. Findings Three key findings are established: first, in terms of individual governance indicators, mobile phones consistently stimulated good governance by the same magnitude, with the exception of the effect on the regulation component of economic governance. Second, when indicators are combined, the effect of mobile phones on general governance is three times higher than that on the institutional governance category. Third, countries with lower levels of governance indicators are catching-up with their counterparts with more advanced dynamics. Originality/value The study makes both theoretical and empirical contributions by highlighting the importance of various combinations of governance indicators and their responsiveness to mobile phone usage.

scholarly journals The Causal Relationship Between China-Africa Trade, China OFDI, and Economic Growth of African Countries

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 215824402110648
Author(s):  
Emma Serwaa Obobisa ◽  
Haibo Chen ◽  
Emmanuel Caesar Ayamba ◽  
Claudia Nyarko Mensah
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Generalized Least Squares ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Sub Saharan

Recently, China has emerged as the largest trading partner and a significant source of investment in the African continent. Although there is consent on the increasing importance of China and Africa’s economic partnership, there are many controversies on how it affects African countries. Debates on China in Africa have, however, relied on grandiloquence rather than empirical studies. This study explores the causal link between China-Africa trade, China’s outward foreign direct (OFDI), and economic growth of 24 Sub-Saharan Africa countries from 1999 to 2018. The aggregated panel is classified into upper-middle-income, low-middle income, and low-income Sub-Saharan African countries. In the long run, key findings from the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) estimator unveiled that; (i) China-Africa trade negatively contributes to economic growth among all panels. (ii) China’s OFDI improves economic growth in the low middle and low-income African countries whereas a significant negative liaison is evidenced in the upper-middle-income African countries. (iii) Labor force have a negative impact on economic growth whiles gross capital formation is evidenced to positively impact economic growth at all the panels. The Dumitrescu and Hurlin Granger causality unveiled a one-sided causal link from China-Africa trade to economic growth at all panels. The study proposes policy recommendations based on the results.

Improving Electronic Information Literacy in West African Higher Education

2011 ◽  
pp. 2121-2129
Author(s):  
Ibrahima Poda ◽  
William F. Brescia
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Electronic Information ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Knowledge Based Economy ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan

Electronic information literacy has gained increased importance with the advent of the new information and communication technologies which, driven by the convergence of computers and telecommunications media, are crucial for facilitating, supporting, and enhancing learning and for the knowledge-based economy of the future. In “Africa’s Information Society Initiative (AISI): An Action Framework to Build Africa’s Information and Communication Infrastructure,” African ICT experts appointed by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), have described the potential of the Internet to improve learning in higher education and established the foundation for this to become a reality in Sub-Saharan Africa. The AISI document that the group of experts produced was adopted by the ECA Conference of Ministers as the African Information Society Initiative (AISI) in 1996.

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