Title: Use of mHealth for cardiovascular disease in low- and middle-income countries with low peace: systematic review and recommendations

Authors: Cynthia Williams; Yara M. Asi

Addresses: Department of Public Health, Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224-2646, USA ' Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, 4000Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32816, USA

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.

Keywords: mobile health; mHealth; cardiovascular disease; CVD; low- and middle-income countries; LMIC; peace; non-communicable diseases; NCDs; fragile.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHT.2020.112450

International Journal of Humanitarian Technology, 2020 Vol.1 No.2, pp.118 - 130

Received: 20 Oct 2017
Accepted: 06 Jul 2018
Published online: 18 Jan 2021 *

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