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

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.