Aovare Pearl, Beune Erik, Laar Amos, Moens Nicolas, Moll van Charante Eric P, Agyemang Charles
Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
Ann Med. 2025 Dec;57(1):2517395. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2517395. Epub 2025 Jun 13.
Cardio-metabolic disorders like diabetes and hypertension are increasingly common in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana, straining healthcare systems. Mobile health (mHealth) applications offer potential for improving remote monitoring, patient engagement, and communication with providers. However, their implementation in Ghana remains limited and complex. This study explored user experiences with an mHealth app for self-managing diabetes and hypertension, and its perceived impact on care quality.
A qualitative study was conducted with 20 participants from two healthcare facilities in Ghana using an mHealth app to manage diabetes or hypertension. In-depth interviews, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Participants reported that the app improved self-management, care coordination, and communication with providers. Valued features included medication reminders, appointment scheduling, and health monitoring, which fostered empowerment and engagement. The app also promoted healthier lifestyle choices. However, challenges such as data security concerns, mobile phone literacy, poor internet access, and data costs were noted.
mHealth apps can enhance self-management and perceived care quality by supporting patient engagement and provider communication. To maximize their impact, challenges around digital literacy, connectivity, and data security must be addressed. Policymakers should promote secure, equitable, and sustainable integration of mHealth technologies into the healthcare system.
糖尿病和高血压等心血管代谢疾病在包括加纳在内的低收入和中等收入国家越来越普遍，给医疗系统带来了压力。移动健康（mHealth）应用程序为改善远程监测、患者参与度以及与医疗服务提供者的沟通提供了潜力。然而，它们在加纳的实施仍然有限且复杂。本研究探讨了用户使用一款用于自我管理糖尿病和高血压的移动健康应用程序的体验，以及其对护理质量的感知影响。
对来自加纳两家医疗机构的20名使用移动健康应用程序管理糖尿病或高血压的参与者进行了定性研究。以技术接受模型（TAM）为指导进行深入访谈，对访谈进行录音、转录，并使用主题分析进行分析。
参与者报告称，该应用程序改善了自我管理、护理协调以及与医疗服务提供者的沟通。有价值的功能包括用药提醒、预约安排和健康监测，这些功能增强了患者的自主权和参与度。该应用程序还促进了更健康的生活方式选择。然而，也指出了一些挑战，如数据安全问题、手机知识水平、网络接入差和数据成本等。
移动健康应用程序可以通过支持患者参与和与医疗服务提供者沟通来提高自我管理能力和感知护理质量。为了最大限度地发挥其影响，必须解决数字素养、连接性和数据安全等方面的挑战。政策制定者应推动移动健康技术安全、公平和可持续地融入医疗系统。
