RESUMO
Type 2 diabetes, as one of the most common chronic diseases, requires ongoing management and support from the patient; therefore, patient participation and self-management play a pivotal role in controlling and preventing this disease. The increasing use of smartphones has provided a good opportunity for controlling and managing patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mobile health on the self-management of patients with type 2 diabetes in Iran. A systematic review study was conducted from 2010 to 2021. Searches in Persian and English scientific databases, IranDoc, MagIran, SID Web of science, and PubMed, were performed using keywords such as diabetes and mobile health. The process of reviewing and selecting articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria was performed by two researchers independently. The study evaluation was performed by using a standard tool. After selecting articles, data extraction was performed using a data extraction form. Data analysis was performed with a content analysis approach. Finally, 23 articles were included from the 7767 articles found in the initial search stage, which examined patients' self-care in 11 areas using mobile health. Fourteen studies (61%) considered mobile health to be effective in increasing hemoglobin control. Other studies also found the use of mobile health in increasing adherence to exercise (n = 10), increasing adherence to medication (n = 9), increasing adherence to diet (n = 11), increasing care for diabetic foot ulcers (n = 8), increasing self-efficacy and empowerment (n = 5), increasing cholesterol control (n = 4), increasing awareness and attitude (n = 4), increasing control of insulin dose (n = 2), increasing adherence to education (n = 1), and increasing control of blood urea (n = 1), which were considered effective. The use of m-health effectively controls the disease and promotes self-management in type 2 diabetic patients. Considering the high cost of diabetes treatment, policymakers should implement appropriate interventions and strategies in the field of using mobile health to improve adherence to self-management of the disease.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the integration of traditional medicine into each country's health systems by formulating and implementing national policies and laws in accordance with the country's own situation. This study aims to examine and analyze the national laws and regulations in Iran concerning the integration of traditional medicine into the health system of the country based on the WHO definition. METHODS: Policy document analysis was performed through content analysis according to the WHO components for the integration of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) into health systems. All government and state websites were explored to locate policy-associated documents and laws. Only documents were ultimately included in the study that had been approved by a senior official of a ministry. RESULTS: Nine policy documents related to T&CM were found. In these documents, reference was made to the availability of education (26 cases), regulation (20 cases), availability of therapies (17 cases), research (15 cases), and insurance coverage (7 items). CONCLUSIONS: While policies and laws on the integration of T&CM in Iran have been formulated, this research showed that these policies have been implemented slowly or, in cases, not implemented at all. The government and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education need to take measures in this regard after they have evaluated the policies and programs. Given the tendency of the Iranian people to T&CM, the insurance of T&CM and the development of clinics and hospitals should be prioritized.