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BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Bronchial Asthma | Research article

The use of mobile phone functionalities by patients with asthma and their desire to use for self-care purposes

Authors: Ehsan Nabovati, Mehrdad Farzandipour, Marzieh Heidarzadeh Arani, Hossein Akbari, Reihane Sharif, Shima Anvari

Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) has good potential for promoting self-care in patients suffering from chronic diseases. The patients' positive attitude toward this technology is a key factor for the successful implementation. The present study was conducted to investigate the asthma patients' use of mobile phone functionalities and their desire to receive self-care services through this technology.

Methods

This survey study was conducted in Iran in 2018. The study population consisted of 146 patients suffering from asthma. The data collection tool was a questionnaire containing items on the demographic characteristics of patients, current use of mobile phone functionalities, and desire to use them for receiving self-care services. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results

Out of the 160 questionnaires distributed, 146 (91.25%) were completed. The majority of the participants had smartphones (84.9%). Less than half of the participants occasionally used mobile phone functionalities including mobile phone calls (42.5%) and mobile Internet (40.4%) to receive asthma-related information. A significant number of the participants had never used smartphone applications (72.6%) and E-mail (66.4%) to receive asthma-related information. The participants had their greatest use of Internet search, followed by social media, to receive information about asthma symptoms, allergenic and irritating substances, medicinal therapy, and how to use therapy aids. The participants were most willing to use social media for receiving asthma information, communicating with other patients, receiving reminders about doctor's appointment, and receiving warnings about the lack of asthma control.

Conclusion

In Iran as a developing country, asthma patients use Internet search mostly to receive instructional information and are willing to use social media rather than other mobile phone functionalities to receive self-care services. These patients believe that mobile phones are appropriate for receiving instructional information and reminders.

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Title: The use of mobile phone functionalities by patients with asthma and their desire to use for self-care purposes
Authors: Ehsan Nabovati
Mehrdad Farzandipour
Marzieh Heidarzadeh Arani
Hossein Akbari
Reihane Sharif
Shima Anvari
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Bronchial Asthma
Care
Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-020-01301-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The use of mobile phone functionalities by patients with asthma and their desire to use for self-care purposes

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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