Tehran University Medical Journal (Jan 2024)
Mobile applications as a new way to health: a systematic review
Abstract
Background: Management of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, requires a comprehensive long-term care plan. Adherence to self-management behaviours is crucial in improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with these conditions. The research highlighted in this review study aimed to explore the potential of mobile health technology in enhancing primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases. By providing personalized interventions, mobile applications can play a significant role in supporting individuals in the self-management of their hypertension and diabetes, ultimately leading to better disease control and improved overall well-being. Methods: The present study is a systematic review of research examining the impact of mobile application interventions on the self-management of hypertension and diabetes. The review analyzes studies published between July 2013 to March 2023, retrieved from the PubMed and Scopus international databases using keywords such as Mobile Health, mHealth, adherence, Hypertension, High Blood Pressure, and Diabetes. Results: A total of 1398 abstracts were found, of which 12 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study. The research indicates that mobile health (mHealth) applications have significant potential to optimize healthcare processes and facilitate improved access to health information. These digital tools can combine various treatment methods with attractive, user-friendly solutions that allow patients to actively monitor a range of health indicators, such as diet, body weight, blood pressure, mood, and sleep patterns. By enabling this type of continuous self-monitoring, mHealth apps can empower individuals to take a more active role in managing their well-being. Additionally, these applications can facilitate greater collaboration between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, thereby enhancing the overall coordination and accessibility of care. As such, mHealth technologies can be effectively leveraged in conjunction with traditional medical services to improve health outcomes and expand access to critical health information. Conclusion: The present study found a significant increase in mobile health app usage. To understand the real, long-term impact of this technology on health, further longitudinal studies are needed. Comprehensive research is crucial to guide the development of effective digital health interventions that can improve individual and population outcomes over time.
