Journal of
Public Health and Epidemiology

  • Abbreviation: J. Public Health Epidemiol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2316
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPHE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 651

Article in Press

The use of digital health to improve action on non-communicable diseases

Ogweno Stephen Odhiambo

  •  Received: 06 September 2022
  •  Accepted: 24 October 2022
Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally accounting for over 70 % of deaths. These diseases are also significantly rising in sub-Saharan Africa . In Kenya, NCDs currently account for 27% of all deaths and 55% of all hospital admissions. NCDs are a huge burden in Kenya but receives a small percentage of just 7% of the annual budget being allocated to health. With this continuously growing burden, there has been another growing practice of digital health care which is the practice and use of the various technological platforms to enhance delivery of health. These include the use of telemedicine, mobile health services and wearable technology just to mention a few. This critical literature review article aims at exploring the various angles through which digital health care and technologies can be used to enhance healthcare outcomes for NCDs and improve overall health. The review will also look at the various pros and cons and explore the role of big data which is becoming an increasingly important area of concern for digital health care. The methodology for selecting the articles that were reviewed and looked at as references generally included articles from leading journals and sites including systematic reviews and original research topics. Ultimately this review offers a directive to what opportunities exist and broadens the understanding on digital health care.