TELEMEDICINE AND ITS EFFECT ON CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Background: Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions, are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These diseases disproportionately affect rural populations due to limited access to healthcare and resources. Telemedicine offers a transformative solution to address these disparities by providing remote healthcare delivery. This study investigates the effectiveness of a telemedicine-based intervention in improving medication adherence, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and clinical outcomes in a rural population in Sindh, Pakistan.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a telemedicine-based chronic disease management program on medication adherence, HRQoL, and clinical outcomes in rural Sindh, Pakistan.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted from June 2023 to January 2024 in rural Sindh. A total of 84 participants with chronic conditions were recruited and divided into two groups: the control group received standard face-to-face care, while the experimental group participated in a telemedicine program. Participants acted as their own controls, with pretest-post-test comparisons. Baseline data included medication adherence rates, HRQoL scores, and clinical metrics such as blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The telemedicine program provided weekly consultations, health education, and self-monitoring tools, with data collected through validated questionnaires and medical records. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and logistic regression.

Results: Medication adherence improved significantly from 65% at baseline to 88% post-intervention. HRQoL scores increased from 50 ± 8 to 72 ± 6. Among hypertensive participants, blood pressure decreased by an average of 14 ± 4 mmHg, while diabetic participants experienced a mean reduction of 25 ± 8 mg/dL in blood glucose levels. No adverse events were reported, and participant satisfaction exceeded 90%, highlighting the feasibility and acceptability of the telemedicine model.

Conclusion: Telemedicine significantly improved chronic disease management in rural Sindh by enhancing medication adherence, HRQoL, and clinical outcomes. These findings support the integration of telemedicine into rural healthcare strategies to reduce disparities and improve access to quality care.