Chronic condtions in Sri Lanka are a significant health concern in the country, accounting for much of the country’s disease burden. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer are the leading causes of death in Sri Lanka. In the last article, we explained how telemedicine would revolutionize the healthcare system in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the increase in Non-communicable diseases was a factor in decelerating the public healthcare sector. Click on the link below to access and review that article for more information. However, we have explained that telemedicine will effectively treat those chronic patients easily and quickly. In this article, we will explain how it works precisely.

Read:- Telemedicine is Revolutionizing Healthcare System in Sri Lanka

Understanding the Chronic Conditions in Sri Lanka

Chronic conditions are health problems that persist over a long period, typically for three months or more. They can include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.

Due to the specific features of a country, region, or district, many things change. The best example is the kidney patients of the central province, where agriculture is prominent. We will discuss those in the future in this blog; for now, keep it as an example. Risk factors are those specific features, characteristics, human behaviors, or geographical factors. Furthermore, risk factors associated with chronic conditions are factors or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing long-term health problems. 

Risk factors for NCDs in Sri Lanka

Risk factors for NCDs(Non-Communicable Diseases) include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, and exposure to air pollution. Social and economic factors, including poverty, urbanization, and globalization, influence these risk factors.

1. Unhealthy diets: High intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fats and low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
2. Physical inactivity: Lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.
3. Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking and other forms of tobacco use increase the risk of many chronic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
4. Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as liver disease, certain types of cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
5. Air pollution: Exposure to air pollution, particularly in urban areas, has been linked to an increased risk of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
6. Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, inadequate education, and limited access to healthcare are also associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases.

The Sri Lankan government has implemented various policies and programs to address the burden of chronic diseases, including promoting healthy lifestyles, improving access to healthcare, and regulating tobacco and alcohol use. However, more actions are must to take to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in Sri Lanka and strengthen its population’s overall health and well-being. 

How can the above risk factors be addressed?

Some risk factors associated with chronic conditions in Sri Lanka are modifiable, meaning they are possible to change or control, while others are non-modifiable, meaning they remain unchanged. Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, and exposure to air pollution. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, sex, family history, and genetic factors.

Identifying and addressing these risk factors is essential in preventing chronic conditions and promoting overall health and well-being. By adopting healthy behaviors and reducing exposure to risk factors, individuals can reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions and improve their quality of life. Public health policies and programs can also play a crucial role in addressing these risk factors at the population level. However, telehealth has some possible features for managing these risk factors and making treatments more effective. Go through the rest of the article for further explanation.

How does telehealth address Chronic Conditions in Sri Lanka?

Early detection of conditions among the people in rural areas

Telemedicine facilitates remote consultations between healthcare providers and patients, which can increase access to healthcare services for individuals living in rural or remote areas. This can help improve the early detection and management of chronic conditions, which is essential in reducing the risk of complications and improving health outcomes.

Provide awareness to the people.

Many Sri Lankans in rural areas need more knowledge to manage their health. Even though they have money and the environment to prevent diseases, they only need necessary guidelines and recent updates about maintaining a healthier life with access to easy healthcare. Telemedicine can fulfill educational resources and support to individuals with chronic conditions, including advice on healthy lifestyle choices, medication management, and symptom management. This can empower patients to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their care.

Important health data collection

Telemedicine can support the collection and analysis of health data. It makes identifying trends and patterns in chronic disease risk factors and inform public health policies and programs easy. It can help to improve access to healthcare services, provide education and support to patients, and facilitate the collection and analysis of health data, all of which can help to manage risk factors associated with chronic conditions in Sri Lanka. 

However, it is important to ensure that telemedicine services are accessible, affordable, high-quality, and complemented rather than replacing traditional healthcare services. That is why Deedmed Lives is important for Sri Lankan people for guaranteed quality healthcare services at affordable prices. 

Deedmed LIves provides affordable and quality healthcare in Sri Lanka!

We empower healthcare access and make the healthcare sector more functioning throughout Sri Lanka. We aim to reach rural people with new technologies and health education and improve their quality of life through telehealth.

Download the mobile application via Google PlayStore:- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lk.deedmed.app