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Round Table Presentation October 27 2020
at APHA 2020 Oct 24 – Oct 28

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization describes non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as chronic ailment of long term and acknowledges the capability of digital health interventions for ensuring high-quality care to people.

Objective: The primary objective of our study is to describe usefulness of an interactive, touch screen computer enabled SMAART informatics platform to screen individuals at risk of NCDs including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Methods: A convenient sample of 64 individuals aged 18 years and above present at the Police Sanchar Training Centre, Dehradun were enrolled in the month of January, 2020. Individuals health data was recorded using an interactive, bi-lingual (English and local Indian Dialect Hindi) touch screen, computer-based program. Variables include subjective self-report information about (a) Socio-demographics, (b) health behaviours, (d) clinical status and (e) Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP). Objective data included measurements such as weight, blood pressure and blood sugar levels using series of physiological sensors. An interactive and tailored SMAART Health card was generated using an evidence based algorithm. Individuals received tailored lifestyle feedback and preference regarding receiving SMS messages was also gathered.

Results: Average age of study participants was 37 (SD=8) years, 88% were males, and 42% had graduate education. Hypertension (31%) was found to be most common family history. 36% of individuals were presently smokers or consumed alcohol. Sixty two percent of them self-reported of doing some form of exercise. Walking, jogging and yoga were most common exercise types. 87% of them were not receiving any treatment to self-manage hypertension. Using JNC 8 criteria, 37% of the individuals were hypertensive. Fifty of the 64 individuals expressed interest to receive SMS message. 64% of them expressed keenness to receive weekly SMS messages. Messages related to diet, physical activity, sleep, and smoking and alcohol consumptions were perceived important.

Discussion: Digital health interventions can be useful way to enhance self-management of NCDs among individuals living in diverse settings.

Learning Areas: Chronic disease management and prevention Communication and informatics Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs Public health or related education Public health or related research Social and behavioral sciences

Authors: Ashish Joshi, Ajay Anshuman, Mahima Kaur, Kanishk Kumar, Ashruti Bhatt, Priya Sharma, Srishti Arora, Harpreet Kaur

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