Using Mobile Phones to Improve Health in Developing Countries
Author Information
Author(s): Warren A Kaplan
Primary Institution: Boston University School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Can mobile phones be an effective healthcare intervention in developing countries?
Conclusion
Mobile phones may not be suitable for healthcare interventions in developing countries due to issues like shared usage, stigma, and privacy concerns.
Supporting Evidence
- Mobile phone subscriptions have grown rapidly in developing countries.
- There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of mobile phones for chronic disease management.
- Shared use of mobile phones may hinder privacy and adherence to treatment.
Takeaway
This study looks at whether using mobile phones can help people in developing countries get better healthcare. It finds that while there are some benefits, there are also big challenges.
Methodology
A literature review and database search were conducted to find studies on mobile phone interventions in healthcare.
Potential Biases
The majority of studies are pilot or feasibility studies, which may not represent broader populations.
Limitations
The evidence is mostly from developed countries, and there is a lack of high-quality studies in developing nations.
Participant Demographics
Most studies included participants from developed countries, with limited data on developing nations.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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