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eHealth as a facilitator of equitable access to primary healthcare: the case of caring for non-communicable diseases in rural and refugee settings in Lebanon

Author

Listed:
  • Shadi Saleh

    (American University of Beirut
    American University of Beirut)

  • Mohamad Alameddine

    (American University of Beirut
    Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Health Care City)

  • Angie Farah

    (American University of Beirut)

  • Nour El Arnaout

    (American University of Beirut)

  • Hani Dimassi

    (Lebanese American University)

  • Carles Muntaner

    (School of Medicine University of Toronto)

  • Christo El Morr

    (York University)

Abstract

Objectives Assess the effect of selected low-cost eHealth tools on diabetes/hypertension detection and referrals rates in rural settings and refugee camps in Lebanon and explore the barriers to showing-up to scheduled appointments at Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC). Methods Community-based screening for diabetes and hypertension was conducted in five rural and three refugee camp PHCs using an eHealth netbook application. Remote referrals were generated based on pre-set criteria. A phone survey was subsequently conducted to assess the rate and causes of no-shows to scheduled appointments. Associations between the independent variables and the outcome of referrals were then tested. Results Among 3481 screened individuals, diabetes, hypertension, and comorbidity were detected in 184,356 and 113 per 1000 individuals, respectively. 37.1% of referred individuals reported not showing-up to scheduled appointments, owing to feeling better/symptoms resolved (36.9%) and having another obligation (26.1%). The knowledge of referral reasons and the employment status were significantly associated with appointment show-ups. Conclusions Low-cost eHealth netbook application was deemed effective in identifying new cases of NCDs and establishing appropriate referrals in underserved communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Shadi Saleh & Mohamad Alameddine & Angie Farah & Nour El Arnaout & Hani Dimassi & Carles Muntaner & Christo El Morr, 2018. "eHealth as a facilitator of equitable access to primary healthcare: the case of caring for non-communicable diseases in rural and refugee settings in Lebanon," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 63(5), pages 577-588, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:63:y:2018:i:5:d:10.1007_s00038-018-1092-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1092-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gatherer, A. & Moller, L. & Hayton, P., 2005. "The World Health Organization European health in prisons project after 10 years: Persistent barriers and achievements," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(10), pages 1696-1700.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kathryn Nicholson & Tatjana T. Makovski & Saverio Stranges, 2019. "The integration of primary care and public health to improve population health: tackling the complex issue of multimorbidity," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 64(7), pages 983-984, September.
    2. Potluka, Oto & Švecová, Lenka & Kubát, Viktor & Liskova-Nedbalova, Veronika & Nečas, Tomáš & Lhotská, Lenka & Hejdová, Kristýna, 2023. "Evaluation of eHealth assistance in-hospital care for improved quality of life in patients," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).

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