The Effect of eHealth on Information Awareness on Non-Communicable Diseases Among Youths Between 18-25 Years in Nairobi County, Kenya, 2019
Abstract
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally while in Kenya 31% of deaths in the country in 2015, were due to NCDs. Majority of the populations dying from non-communicable diseases with over 85% are from developing countries. NCDs are also the leading cause of all hospital admission death-causing 51% of all hospital deaths in Kenya in 2015. The study sought to determine the impact of eHealth (healthcare practice supported by electronic processes) on non-communicable diseases information awareness levels in Nairobi County with the study population being the youths of Kenyatta University. The research used a cohort study design where youths were exposed to MyHeart-Ke App (a mobile app developed for this study giving information on NCDS and cardio-vascular health). They were then followed over six months to assess their knowledge on non-communicable diseases and healthy lifestyle habits. A total of 402 respondents participated in the study. The study used posttest non-experimental cohort study design as there was only one study group. Data was collected using questionnaires. The majority of the study participants were males at 56% while the majority age was 22 years at 17%. The study found out that awareness on NCDs among the respondents was high at 96% with cardiovascular diseases being the most widely known at 85.8%. Although some of the participants knew m-Health at 68.7%, it was not widespread among the respondents before the study. However, after the study, MyHeart-Ke was reported to offer a significant and relevant amount of information on NCDs with 51.2% preferring it over the mainstream internet. A majority also had a perception that NCDs are preventable through the reduction of alcohol use, screening, and healthy diets. The findings are expected to help the relevant authorities in designing appropriate strategies for addressing NCDs in the country especially in the digital space.
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Copyright (c) 2020 Stephen Ogweno, Eliphas Gitonga, PhD
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