JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Health care systems in developing countries have witnessed an unprecedented challenge in maintaining an adequate and continuous provision of healthcare after the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. In many countries, including Libya, institutions and organizations began to implement telehealth technology for the first time as an alternative modality to direct doctor-patient interviews to reduce the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission.

Objective:

We aimed to assess the usability, applicability, and preliminary outcomes of implementing telemedicine technology in resource-limited countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2020 and May 2020 among the Libyan population using an anonymous online survey. Participants were reached via sending emails and through social media. The study included items that covered sociodemographic characteristics, availability and accessibility of healthcare services, the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on health care services, mental health assessment, and the usability and applicability of the telehealth system.

Results:

We obtained 2512 valid responses; the majority (1721, 68.5%) were females. The mean age (SD) was 28.2 (7.6) years with 92.9% were < 40 years old, about (58.2%) were single; however, the highest responses were from students 766 (30.5%) followed by homemakers 377 (15%) and unemployed 316 (12.6%) which indicates higher levels of participants who were out of work. About 31.1% reported that their health status was poor in general, whereas only one-fifth (19.6%) reported having at least one chronic disease confirmed. Additionally, 19.9% demonstrated varying degrees of difficulties in accessing healthcare centers, and 62% reported being unable to access their medical records. Strikingly, 61.6% and 56.9% Reported having problems covering medical costs, and they usually avoid seeking medical care due to financial concerns, respectively. Approximately half agreed on the usefulness of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 61.5% stated that the system was an effective way of communication and attaining healthcare services. About 57.1% felt comfortable while using the telehealth system, and 44.9% felt that they were able to express themselves effectively. Also, 55.3% found the system easy to understand, and 53.9% reported excellent communication with the doctors using the telehealth system; however, only 40.5% responded that ease of communication was better than the usual methods.

Conclusions:

Our study revealed that the Libyan population displayed higher levels of acceptance of the telemedicine system as an alternative modality that could replace in-person appointments, with the advantage of overcoming Financial costs, increased access to timed medical care and follow-ups, and, most importantly, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. However, internet connectivity and electricity issues could be a substantial barrier in many resource-limited communities, and further studies should address such obstacles in the future.