Vol. 2011 No. 1 (2011)
Urban Slum Residents' Digital Telemedicine Utilization Patterns and Health Outcomes Evaluations in Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
Urban slums in Lagos, Nigeria have limited access to healthcare services due to geographical and economic barriers. Digital telemedicine offers a promising solution by providing remote consultations and health information. An ethnographic study was conducted, involving semi-structured interviews with 50 participants from selected urban slums. Data collection included participant observation, document review, and focus group discussions. Participants reported a preference for digital telemedicine for follow-up appointments, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Usage varied by gender (higher among women) and socioeconomic status (higher among lower-income groups). Digital telemedicine shows potential as a viable healthcare solution in urban slums of Lagos, though further research is needed to refine service delivery and address user preferences. Healthcare providers should consider gender-specific needs when designing digital telemedicine services. Policymakers could explore subsidies or community-based initiatives to increase access among lower-income populations.
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