Digitalisation provisions for controlling depression in developing countries: Short review

Authors

Naureen Akber Ali, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Hasan Nawaz Tahir, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Rawshan Jabeen, Aga Khan University

Document Type

Review Article

Department

Community Health Sciences; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Depression is a global health issue which is associated with disability, absenteeism, decreased productivity and high suicide rates. It is the fourth most common cause of disability globally and by the year 2020 it will be the second leading cause of disease burden. In Pakistan, the prevalence of depression is 45.9%. A unique and promising method for addressing the issue is mobile health (m-health). It refers to the utilisation of mobile technology to support various aspects of healthcare. Electronic record, SMS, internet, wearable devices and mobile applications are some of the digitalisation approaches used to bridge the treatment gap in depression through assuring privacy of patients, improving accessibility, reducing taboos related to depression, save cost for patients and reduce hospital burden and consultation time; these will be accessible in remote areas as well. Therefore, this short review is aimed to highlight the m-health forecasting for controlling depression and positional use in developing countries.

Publication (Name of Journal)

JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association

Recommended Citation

Ali, N. A., Tahir, H. N., Jabeen, R. (2021). Digitalisation provisions for controlling depression in developing countries: Short review. JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 71(1(A)), 127-129.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_son/412