Abstract
Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVD) risk factors contribute to over 60% of NCD related deaths in later years. Therefore, urgent need for strategies to optimally monitor and control CVD risk factors is paramount in averting morbidity and mortality among older persons. A mobile smart phone app focusing on monitoring of hypertension could be an innovative tool to encourage. Cross-sectional research using a qualitative approach was used. (HTN SmartApp Study) This is a nested study from the prospective study of testing the use of smartphone app in control of CVD risk factors among older persons in Uganda. A total of 45 interview guides and 4 focus group discussions were conducted. The study included older persons with smart phone, diagnosed with hypertension and he/she is on treatment. We employed semi-structured interview guides for data collection. Eager to know about their blood pressure numbers, benefits from other CVD risk reduction strategies, reminder to take medications, being functionally independent, daily check up their BP numbers, presence of individual at home and being the first cohort to participate in this trial, were some of the prominent motivators to participate in this trial. Although the design of the study could have influence the reasons to participate in the trial, physical navigating of mobile smartApp independently could have been a great motivator. Individual benefits and social networks motivated seniors to participate in this trial; such features should be put into consideration while conducting recruitment for older persons for future trials.
Presenters
Isaac DdumbaExecutive Director, African Research Center 4 Ageing & Dementia, Mukono, Uganda
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Medical Perspectives on Aging, Health, Wellness
KEYWORDS
Smart phone App, Older persons, Sub Saharan Africa
