Abstract
Developing countries are experiencing a shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable
diseases (NCDs), and diabetes accounts for more disability adjusted life years (DALYs) than any
other NCD in South Africa. Research has identified a number of preventable risk factors, however
there is not enough evidence from developing countries to create a best-practices guide for
sharing this information with the population. Today, 90% of the world’s population lives in
mobile phone coverage areas, and there are more unique mobile phone subscriptions in Sub-
Saharan Africa than the United States, so mobile phones could play a role in sharing health
information with the population. This study aims to investigate the acceptability of mobile health
(mHealth) interventions as a platform to increase awareness of diabetic risk factors among the
commuter population in Johannesburg.
A Likert-style survey was distributed to commuters around the Noord Street Taxi Rank in the
Central Business District of Johannesburg. The questionnaire asked participants about their
knowledge and awareness pertaining to a variety of diabetic risk factors (such as exercise,
smoking, hypertension), as well as their comfort level with various mobile platforms (such as
WhatsApp, SMS, social media, email). Data were then analyzed to define demographic
characteristics, and ensure internal reliability of the survey. Correlations were explored to
determine which diabetic risk factors the population would like to learn about, and which
information delivery system they would like to receive that information on.
The demographic characteristics revealed that diabetes is twice as prevalent in this commuter
population (12.4%) than the national average (5.5%). WhatsApp was the most receptive mHealth
intervention, and there was a moderate correlation with diet and nutrition (0.338, p=0.000), and
a weak correlation with physical activity (0.243, p=0.000). The other mHealth interventions, as
well as traditional interventions, showed a number of weaker correlations with diabetic risk
factors as well. This suggests that the most practical mHealth intervention for diabetes risk
factors should focus on WhatsApp messaging while also offering content across email, internet,
mobile apps and social media to remove barriers to access and enhance the user experience.
M.Cur.