Mobile Health Strategies to Tackle Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases With Recommendations From Innovative Experiences: Systematic Review (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) represent a diverse group of 20 communicable diseases that occur in tropical and subtropical areas in 149 countries, affecting over 1 billion people and costing developing economies billions of dollars every year. Within these diseases, those that present lesions on the skin surface are classified as skin NTDs (sNTDs). Mobile health interventions are currently being used worldwide to manage skin diseases and can be a good strategy in the epidemiological and clinical management of sNTDs. OBJECTIVE We aimed to analyze existing evidence about mobile health interventions to control and manage sNTDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and make recommendations for what should be considered in future interventions. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases over 10 years up to April 30, 2020. All types of clinical studies were considered. Data were synthesized into evidence tables. Apps were selected through a comprehensive systematic search in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store conducted between March 20 and April 15, 2020. RESULTS From 133 potentially relevant publications, 13 studies met our criteria (9.8%). These analyzed eight different interventions (three SMS text messaging interventions and five app interventions). Six of the 13 (46%) studies were community-based cross-sectional studies intended to epidemiologically map a specific disease, mainly lymphatic filariasis, but also cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy, and NTDs, as well as sNTDs in general. Most of the studies were considered to have a high (5/13, 39%) or moderate (4/13, 31%) risk of bias. Fifteen apps were identified in the Google Play Store, of which three were also in the Apple App Store. Most of the apps (11/15, 73%) were targeted at health care professionals, with only four targeted at patients. The apps focused on scabies (3/15, 20%), lymphatic filariasis (3/15, 20%), cutaneous leishmaniasis (1/15, 7%), leprosy (1/15, 7%), yaws and Buruli ulcer (1/15, 7%), tropical diseases including more than one sNTDs (3/15, 20%), and NTDs including sNTDs (2/15, 13%). Only 1 (7%) app focused on the clinical management of sNTDs. CONCLUSIONS All mobile health interventions that were identified face technological, legal, final user, and organizational issues. There was a remarkable heterogeneity among studies, and the majority had methodological limitations that leave considerable room for improvement. Based on existing evidence, eight recommendations have been made for future interventions.

Download Full-text

Mobile Health Strategies to Tackle Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases With Recommendations From Innovative Experiences: Systematic Review

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/22478 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. e22478

Author(s):

Carme Carrion ◽

Noemí Robles ◽

Oriol Sola-Morales ◽

Marta Aymerich ◽

Jose Antonio Ruiz Postigo

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Lymphatic Filariasis ◽

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽

Mobile Health ◽

Clinical Management ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

App Store ◽

Google Play

Background Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) represent a diverse group of 20 communicable diseases that occur in tropical and subtropical areas in 149 countries, affecting over 1 billion people and costing developing economies billions of dollars every year. Within these diseases, those that present lesions on the skin surface are classified as skin NTDs (sNTDs). Mobile health interventions are currently being used worldwide to manage skin diseases and can be a good strategy in the epidemiological and clinical management of sNTDs. Objective We aimed to analyze existing evidence about mobile health interventions to control and manage sNTDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and make recommendations for what should be considered in future interventions. Methods A systematic review was conducted of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases over 10 years up to April 30, 2020. All types of clinical studies were considered. Data were synthesized into evidence tables. Apps were selected through a comprehensive systematic search in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store conducted between March 20 and April 15, 2020. Results From 133 potentially relevant publications, 13 studies met our criteria (9.8%). These analyzed eight different interventions (three SMS text messaging interventions and five app interventions). Six of the 13 (46%) studies were community-based cross-sectional studies intended to epidemiologically map a specific disease, mainly lymphatic filariasis, but also cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy, and NTDs, as well as sNTDs in general. Most of the studies were considered to have a high (5/13, 39%) or moderate (4/13, 31%) risk of bias. Fifteen apps were identified in the Google Play Store, of which three were also in the Apple App Store. Most of the apps (11/15, 73%) were targeted at health care professionals, with only four targeted at patients. The apps focused on scabies (3/15, 20%), lymphatic filariasis (3/15, 20%), cutaneous leishmaniasis (1/15, 7%), leprosy (1/15, 7%), yaws and Buruli ulcer (1/15, 7%), tropical diseases including more than one sNTDs (3/15, 20%), and NTDs including sNTDs (2/15, 13%). Only 1 (7%) app focused on the clinical management of sNTDs. Conclusions All mobile health interventions that were identified face technological, legal, final user, and organizational issues. There was a remarkable heterogeneity among studies, and the majority had methodological limitations that leave considerable room for improvement. Based on existing evidence, eight recommendations have been made for future interventions.

Download Full-text

The Epitome of Novel Techniques and Targeting Approaches in Drug Delivery for Treating Lymphatic Filariasis

Current Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1389450121666200630111250 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (12) ◽

pp. 1250-1263

Author(s):

Saurabh Shrivastava ◽

Anshita Gupta ◽

Chanchal Deep Kaur

Keyword(s):

Lymphatic Filariasis ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Human Beings ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Preventive Chemotherapy ◽

Bioactive Substances ◽

Lymphatic Diseases ◽

Life Threatening

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a pervasive and life-threatening disease for human beings. Currently, 893 million people in 49 countries worldwide affected by lymphatic filariasis as per WHO statistics. The concealed aspects of lymphatic diseases such as delayed disease detection, inappropriate disease imaging, the geographical outbreak of infection, and lack of preventive chemotherapy have brought this epidemic to the edge of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Many medications and natural bioactive substances have seen to promote filaricidal activity against the target parasitic species. However, the majority of failures have occurred in pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic issues. Objective: The purpose of the study is to focus on the challenges and therapeutic issues in the treatment of filariasis. The review brings novel techniques and therapeutic approaches for combating lymphatic filariasis. It also offers significant developments and opportunities for such therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Through this review, an attempt has made to critically evaluate the avenues of innovative pharmaceuticals and molecular targeting approaches to bring an integrated solution to combat lymphatic filariasis.

Download Full-text

P50 Exploring the Merits and Availability of Smartphone Applications Related to Melanoma

BJS Open ◽

10.1093/bjsopen/zrab032.049 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Jade Kabbani ◽

Jamil Kabbani ◽

Jade Kabbani

Keyword(s):

Clinical Management ◽

Literature Search ◽

Patient Access ◽

Smartphone Applications ◽

App Store ◽

Widespread Availability ◽

Smartphone Use ◽

Clinical Tools ◽

Google Play ◽

Privacy Issues

Abstract Background The increased use of smartphone applications across healthcare specialties has been particularly relevant in dermatology, with dermatology related applications widely available on mainstream application stores. We reviewed published literature regarding melanoma-related applications, and the number and types of such applications available for download. Methods A literature search of “dermatology”, “smartphone” and “melanoma” was conducted to identify publications assessing applications of interest. “Melanoma” was searched in Apple’s (iOS) “App Store” and Google’s “Google Play”, and application purposes and ratings were analysed. Results 54 of the 63 literature search results explored smartphone use in relation to melanoma, describing benefits including quicker patient access to care, reduced referrals and hence unnecessary consultations, and improved accessibility to information. However, concerns include insufficient image quality, privacy issues related to encryption, and diagnostic inaccuracy. Searches on the Google Play and iOS stores identified 249 and 51 apps respectively. 25% of Google Play results were categorised as clinical tools, 17% as educational, and 58% as recreational. The corresponding results for the App store were 92%, 6% and 2%. 81% of the educational apps and 92% of the clinical management apps related to dermatology and melanoma on Google Play, whereas all of the clinical management apps and 67% of the education apps on the App store were of relevance. Conclusion The results illustrate the widespread availability of applications related to melanoma, particularly for educational and clinical purposes. Standardising photographing techniques, improving diagnostic accuracy, and privacy issues are important aspects to consider and warrant further investigation.

Download Full-text

A systematic review of mobile health interventions in China: Identifying gaps in care

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare ◽

10.1177/1357633x19856746 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1357633X1985674 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Xiaoshi Yang ◽

Carrie L Kovarik

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Mobile Health ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Text Messages ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Health System Strengthening ◽

World Health ◽

Common Disease

Introduction Mobile health has a promising future in the healthcare system in most developed countries. China’s rapidly developing mobile technology infrastructure offers an unprecedented opportunity for wide adoption of mobile health interventions in the delivery of effective and timely healthcare services. However, there is little data on the current extent of the mobile health landscape in China. The aim of this study was to systematically review the existing mobile health initiatives in China, characterise the technology used, disease categories targeted, location of the end user (urban versus rural), and examine the potential effects of mobile health on health system strengthening in China. Furthermore, we identified gaps in development and evaluation of the effectiveness of mobile health interventions. Methods A systematic review of the literature published from 18 December 2015–3 April 2019 was conducted and yielded 2863 articles from English and Chinese retrieval database and trial registries, including PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge of Infrastructure and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Studies were included if they used mobile health to support patient healthcare outcomes. Results A total of 1129 full-text articles were assessed and 338 were included in this study. The review found that most studies targeted client education and behaviour change via applications (apps) (65.4%), including WeChat, and text messaging (short text messages) (19.8%) to improve patient medical treatment outcomes such as compliance and appointment reminders. The most common disease-specific mobile health interventions focused primarily on chronic disease management and behaviour change in cardiology (13.3%), endocrinology/diabetes (12.1%), behavioural health (11.8%), oncology (11.2%) and neurology (6.8%). The mobile health interventions related to nutrition (0.6%) and chronic respiratory diseases (1.6%) are underrepresented in mobile health in comparison to the burden of disease in China. The majority (90.0%) of the mobile health interventions were conducted exclusively in urban areas, with few opportunities reaching rural populations. Conclusions Overall, mobile health has a promising future in China, with recent rapid growth in initiatives. The majority are focused on education and behaviour change in the realm of chronic diseases and target patients in urban areas. The imbalance in mobile health between the urban and rural areas, as well as between population disease spectrum and health service delivery, pose substantial dilemmas. However, mobile health may be redirected to correct this imbalance, possibly improving access to healthcare services, and filling the gaps in order to improve health equity for the underserved populations in China.

Download Full-text

Engagement with mobile health interventions for depression: A systematic review

Internet Interventions ◽

10.1016/j.invent.2021.100454 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 ◽

pp. 100454

Author(s):

Anthony Molloy ◽

Page L. Anderson

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Mobile Health ◽

Health Interventions

Download Full-text

Analisis Spasial Kejadian Filariasi di Kabupaten Demak Jawa Tengah

JURNAL KESEHATAN LINGKUNGAN INDONESIA ◽

10.14710/jkli.17.1.46-51 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 46

Author(s):

Nurjazuli Nurjazuli ◽

Hanan Lanang Dangiran ◽

Asty Awiyatul Bari'ah

Keyword(s):

Spatial Analysis ◽

Lymphatic Filariasis ◽

Water Flow ◽

Culex Quinquefasciatus ◽

Index Case ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Observational Research ◽

Positioning System ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional

Latar Belakang: Filariasis merupakan salah satu penyakit tular vektor yang kurang mendapatkan perhatian, termasuk kelompok Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Kabupaten Demak merupakan salah satu wilayah di Propinsi Jawa Tengah yang merupakan daerah endemis filarisis (mf rate>1%). Kejadian filarisis di daerah ini diduga berkaitan dengan kondisi lingkungan fisik dan biologis (nyamuk) yang mempunyai peran penting dalam penyebaran penyakit filarisis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menemukan adanya penderita baru, mengidentifikasi kondisi lingkungan fisik dan biologi yang berkaitan dengan sebaran filarisis di Kabupaten Demak.Matede: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional dengan rancangan cross-sectional. Sebanyak 30 kasus filariasis dijadikan indek kasus yang selanjutnya dipilih secara purposif sebanyak 140 yang tinggal di sekitar 30 kasus tersebut untuk dilakukan pengamblan darah jari. Observasi lingkungan dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi kondisi lingkungan (breeding places dan resting places) dari yang diduga sebagai nyamuk vektor filariasis. Penangkapan nyamuk dilakukan di sekitar rumah penderita filariasis. Pengukuran koordinat kasus filariais dilakukan dengan pesawat Geographic Positioning System (GPS). Pemeriksaan darah jadi jari dilakukan di Laboratorium Kesehatan Daerah (LABKESDA) Propinsi Jawa Tengah. Sedang bedah nyamuk dilakukan di Balai Penelitian Vektor Penyakit Banjarnegara. Analisis data dlakukan secara deskriptif, analisis spasial dilakukan dengan software ArcGis 9.3.Hasil: Penelitian ini tidak menemukan penderita baru filarisis (mf rate=0%). Sebanyak 129 ekor nyamuk telah dilakukan pembedahan dengan hasil semuanya negatip cacing filaria. Hasil identifikasi nyamuk menemukan spesies nyamuk Culex quinquefasciatus merupakan nyamuk yang dominan (72,86%) di lokasi penelitian.Terdapat breeding places (40%) berupa genangan air terbuka (SPAL) dan resting places (83,3%) berupa semak-semak di sekitar rumah penderita. Analisis spasial menunjukkan bahwa kasus filariasi hampir menyebar di seluruh wilayah Kaputaen Demak. Daerah cekungan aliran air nampaknya merupakan kondisi dimana kasus filariasis banyak terjadi. Simpulan: Kasus filariasis hampir menyebar di seluruh wilayah Kabupaten Demak dengan konsentrasi lebih banyak pada daerah cekungan aliran air Semarang-Demak. ABSTRACTTitle: Spatial Analysis of Lymphatic Filariasis in Demak Dictric, Central JavaBackground: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of vector related diseaseswhich less attention from goverment, It was classified as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Demak District is one of area in Central Jawa which was endemic of LF (mf rate>1%). It may be related to the physical and biologycal environment condition which have important role in the spreading of LF. This research aimed to identify new cases, find mosquitoe vector , and asses the condition of physical and biologycal environment related to the distribuion of LF cases in Demak District. Methods: It was an observational research using cross-sectional design. As more as 30 LF cases defined as index case and then 140 persons living around index case were selected for blood testing of microfilaria. Observation was conducted to assess the presence of breeding and resting places for mosquitoes development. Mosquito collection was conducted around the houses the LF cases early in the morning. Site of LF cases were measured using Geographic Positioning System (GPS) Apparatus. Blood test for identifying microfilaria was performed at Province Health Labotatory of Centra Java. Mosquotoes dissection was performed at Research Institule of Disease Vector Banjarnegara. Data would be analyzed descriptively and spatial analysis was performed using ArcGis 9.3.Results: This research did’t find new cases of filariasis (mf rate=0%). As more as 129 mosquitoes had been dissected and all of them indicated negative of filarial worm. This research showed that Culex quinquefasciatus as dominant mosquitoe species with the proportion of 72,86%. Water puddle (40%) and small three (83,3%) were found as a good habitats located around the house of filariasis cases. Spatial analysis indicated that filariasis cases spread in all over area of Demak Distirct, and It concentated in the area of undergroud water flow of Semarang-DemakConclusion: Lymphatif Filariasis cases were nearly distributed all over area of Demak Distict and It was concentrated in area with underground water flow Semarang-Demak.

Download Full-text

Mobile Health Apps for Medical Emergencies: Systematic Review

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/18513 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. e18513

Author(s):

Alejandro Plaza Roncero ◽

Gonçalo Marques ◽

Beatriz Sainz-De-Abajo ◽

Francisco Martín-Rodríguez ◽

Carlos del Pozo Vegas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Mobile Health ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Current Status ◽

Health Technologies ◽

Health Apps ◽

App Store ◽

Mobile Health Apps ◽

Medical Emergencies ◽

Google Play

Background Mobile health apps are used to improve the quality of health care. These apps are changing the current scenario in health care, and their numbers are increasing. Objective We wanted to perform an analysis of the current status of mobile health technologies and apps for medical emergencies. We aimed to synthesize the existing body of knowledge to provide relevant insights for this topic. Moreover, we wanted to identify common threads and gaps to support new challenging, interesting, and relevant research directions. Methods We reviewed the main relevant papers and apps available in the literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was used in this review. The search criteria were adopted using systematic methods to select papers and apps. On one hand, a bibliographic review was carried out in different search databases to collect papers related to each application in the health emergency field using defined criteria. On the other hand, a review of mobile apps in two virtual storage platforms (Google Play Store and Apple App Store) was carried out. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store are related to the Android and iOS operating systems, respectively. Results In the literature review, 28 papers in the field of medical emergency were included. These studies were collected and selected according to established criteria. Moreover, we proposed a taxonomy using six groups of applications. In total, 324 mobile apps were found, with 192 identified in the Google Play Store and 132 identified in the Apple App Store. Conclusions We found that all apps in the Google Play Store were free, and 73 apps in the Apple App Store were paid, with the price ranging from US $0.89 to US $5.99. Moreover, 39% (11/28) of the included studies were related to warning systems for emergency services and 21% (6/28) were associated with disaster management apps.

Download Full-text