The Use of Wearable Technologies in Combating Non Communicable Disease among the Elders in Uganda - Case Study: Masaka City and District

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is becoming a burden in developing countries and accelerating day and night. The capacity of health systems in most of these countries is overwhelmed by the huge number of communicable diseases. This has resulted into double burden of diseases for these countries. NCDs have contributed to impediments in development due to increased poverty that is associated with increased mobility, looking for medication. The demand for developing elderly care services increased, and this was aiming at deploying novel technologies in order to provide independent living. This is aimed at creating an environment where elderly can have a consistent and independent health monitor, in order to detect any immerging complications before they become worse. IoT and smart wearable Technologies could provide a promising solution to this problem. These technologies have the capacity to enhance elderly people’s quality of life, and also cut costs, and strains on the health care givers. A Survey strategy was used, supported by questionnaires, observations and interview, to support mixed research methodology’. A cross-sectional time horizon was adopted to support a one round data collection. The findings indicated that, majority of the elderly people are suffering from hypertension, followed by diabetes. However, most of them are poor and cannot afford medication. Keywords : Non communicable diseases, Wearable devices/technologies, Internet of Things (IOT). DOI: 10.7176/IKM/13-6-02 Publication date: September 30 th 2023