Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions, continue to be leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Their burden is especially severe in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where structural barriers, limited healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic disparities hinder long-term treatment adherence. This study aimed to systematically review how patient-centric factors influence the effectiveness of mobile phone platforms in promoting treatment compliance among individuals living with NCDs in LMICs. A comprehensive review of 25 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted, focusing on key variables such as digital literacy, motivation, socioeconomic status, health literacy, and access to mobile technology. The findings reveal that mobile platforms can substantially improve treatment adherence, particularly when interventions are culturally tailored, user-friendly, and incorporate real-time feedback loops. Programs that foster self-efficacy, reduce stigma, and encourage social support were found to be especially effective. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating mobile health interventions into behaviorally informed and context-sensitive healthcare systems to maximize impact. In regions where traditional healthcare access is limited, mobile platforms offer an innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solution. By addressing individual-level barriers and leveraging existing mobile infrastructure, these interventions can support sustainable treatment adherence, ultimately reducing the long-term burden of NCDs in LMIC populations.
Nesidai et al. (Wed,) studied this question.