The potential of m-health systems for diabetes management in post conflict regions a case study from Iraq

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2014:2014:3650-3. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2014.6944414.

Abstract

The recent developments of m-health technologies particularly in the developing world are increasing sharply due to the importance and accelerated adoption of these technologies in the developing countries. However, there are few if any studies on the effectiveness of mobile health in post conflict regions especially in the Middle East region. In this paper we describe the design, implementation and clinical outcomes of a feasibility study on mobile diabetes management in Basra, Southern Iraq as an exemplar for the effectiveness of mobile health technologies for improved healthcare delivery in similar post conflict regions. The key clinical outcome of this study indicated the lowering of HbA1C levels in the mobile health group indicating the potential of deploying such technologies in these regions where health resources are limited and challenging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Delivery of Health Care / methods*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Humans
  • Iraq
  • Middle Aged
  • Software*
  • Telemedicine*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • hemoglobin A1c protein, human