Assessment of usage of Mobile Applications for self-care in Diabetic Patients attending dental OPD A preliminary study

Abstract

Pakistani population is ranked number 3^rd in the prevalence of diabetes after India and China. Its self-management has been considered a keystone for the care of the disease. It is imperative to take measures that can help diabetic patients to maintain self-management. Recent advancements in the field of information technology, such as digital applications, might help to create a platform for delivering and managing self-care interventions that would be easily accessible. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the frequency of utilization of smartphone technology for self-care. A multi-centric, cross-sectional study was conducted. The results of the study showed that most patients use smartphones but only a few users were aware of health applications for self-care of diabetes. Most patients were using health applications for their self-management only when they are in need. In conclusion, most patients in Pakistan use smart phone but they do not utilise health care mobile applications appropriately due to the lack of awareness. Given the increasing number of patients it is essential to provide public health awareness regarding use of these applications so that patients can manage their glycaemic control at home with convenience. This will also reduce burden on health care system.