Worldwide diabetes mellitus affects millions of individuals. Diabetes mellitus presents biopsychosocial challenges for diabetic patients and their families. Psychological and sociocultural issues that affect individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients negatively impact self-management activities aimed at attaining metabolic control and prevents future diabetic complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and cerebrovascular diseases. There is increasing evidence that diabetes mellitus is associated with a number of psychological and psychiatric conditions. This review addresses the distinctive biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors such as social support, socioeconomic status and family interaction encountered by diabetic patients. Recommendations are provided that can enhance diabetic care and include improving current screening of psychological conditions as well as treatment practices. There is also the need for more support from family, friends and medical staff in addressing sociocultural issues that impede favorable diabetes management.
Globally, prostate cancer is a major healthcare problem. It is among the most frequently diagnosed malignancies and is the primary cancer in males in North America and the Caribbean, Europe, and some parts of Africa. Mobile health interventions afford prostate cancer patients in following prostate specific antigen results including trends, getting a better understanding of the severity of their disease and evaluate carefully the benefits and risks of the available treatment options. This review will examine the use of mobile health applications in prostate cancer research particularly in (1) clinical decision of selecting best treatment option or active surveillance, (2) monitoring disease- and treatment-related symptoms, (3) oncological and supportive care, (4) treatment decisions, and (5) health literacy and promotion of physical exercise. The benefits of telemedicine are discussed. Challenges will be examined and recommendations given for the development and efficient use of mobile health applications by prostate cancer patients and healthcare providers.
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