Leveraging HealthATM in enhancing Women’s Health
Women’s health encompasses a wide range of health conditions and issues that affect women throughout their lives. The health of women and girls is of particular concern because, in many societies, they are disadvantaged by discrimination rooted in socio-cultural factors [1].
Health kiosks have the potential to empower women to take control of their health by providing accessible, convenient, and user friendly resources and services. Here’s how HealthATM contribute to the detection and management of below conditions:-
PCOS/PCOD: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), also known as Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD), is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that make eggs, typically during their reproductive years. PCOS is characterized by a combination of symptoms related to hormonal imbalance and ovarian dysfunction. Women with PCOS may experience irregular menstrual cycles, or unpredictable menstrual patterns.
PCOS is associated with an increased risk of metabolic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This leads to high levels of insulin in the blood, which in turn can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. These metabolic abnormalities can have long-term health consequences if left untreated.
YoloHealth ATM is integrated with a device for calculating Body Mass Index (BMI). Women with PCOS often have higher BMI due to weight gain and obesity. HealthATM also monitors vital signs such as Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Weight, and Blood Glucose. While these measurements alone cannot diagnose PCOS, they may indicate potential risk factors such as hypertension, or obesity which are commonly seen in women with PCOS.
Anemia: Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency in the number of red blood cells (RBCs)or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin, the protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Common symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, dizziness, headache, and irregular heartbeats.
Anemia in women is a significant health concern, particularly due to factors such as menstruation, pregnancy, and dietary habits. Health kiosks are valuable tools for detecting anemia in women. HealthATM includes point-of-care-testing (POCT) capabilities for measuring hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin screening is a key component of anemia detection, as low hemoglobin levels are indicative of anemia.
Also monitoring of vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation levels may indicate potential risk factors associated with anemia. Based on the screening results, further evaluation from healthcare providers is recommended if anemia is suspected.
Pregnancy: Health kiosks play a significant role in addressing pregnancy complications by providing access to essential healthcare services, promoting health awareness, and facilitating early detection and management of complications especially for women living in impoverished regions.
Health kiosks equipped with screening tools and diagnostic devices facilitate early detection and monitoring of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and anemia.
Smart Health Kiosk includes the point-of-care testing capabilities for conducting pregnancy tests. Results are displayed within minutes, providing immediate feedback on pregnancy status.
In rural areas where access to healthcare providers may be limited, women can connect with healthcare providers through telemedicine facility to received medical advice, and access prenatal care services without the need for travel.
[1] https://www.who.int/health-topics/women-s-health
