African Materials Engineering Research (Applied Science/Tech) | 27 February 2012
Digital Healthcare Platforms in Chronic Disease Management Among Elderly South Africans: A Meta-Analysis
N, k, o, s, a, n, a, M, h, l, o, n, y, a, n, e
Abstract
Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are prevalent among elderly South Africans living in urban areas. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted between and , including randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Digital platforms showed a moderate improvement in adherence to medication regimens compared to traditional management methods, with an odds ratio of 1.47 (95% CI: 1.28-1.68). The meta-analysis supports the use of digital healthcare platforms for chronic disease management among elderly South Africans. Healthcare providers should integrate digital solutions into their existing services, with a focus on training and support for users. Digital Healthcare Platforms, Chronic Disease Management, Elderly South Africans, Meta-Analysis Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.