Assessing Readiness for mHealth Adoption in Coronary Artery Disease Management: Iraq Case Study

Iman Kadhim Ajlan¹, Ahmad Fadhil Yusof^1,*, Fahad Taha AL-Dhief², Nurhizam Saif³, Ali Hashim Abbas⁴

Faculty of Computing, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor 81310, Malaysia

Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia

Center for Software Technology and Management, Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Selangor, Malayisa

Department of Computer Technical Engineering, College of Information Technology, Imam Ja’afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna 66002, Iraq

Emails: eajlan@uowasit.edu.iq; ahmadfadhil@utm.myf; ahad@ukm.edu.my; nurhizam@ukm.edu.my; alsalamy1987@gmail.com

Abstract

Chronic diseases (CDs) have become as significant as communicable diseases due to their rising mortality rates and long-term effects. Coronary artery disease (CAD), one of the most common NCDs, is increasingly concerning due to its impact on both death rates and overall health. Managing CAD typically requires professional care and lifestyle changes, which may be inaccessible to some patients due to financial constraints or difficulty in modifying their habits. However, remote health solutions, like mobile applications, could help CAD patients improve their condition and lower risks. In Iraq, the willingness of CAD patients to use mHealth apps has not been explored. This study examines existing mHealth readiness models and incorporates additional factors that consider the needs of CAD patients and the Iraqi context. This will be achieved by adapting a questionnaire based on expert feedback and distributing it to CAD patients in Iraq.

Keywords: Chronic diseases; Coronary artery disease; Mobile applications; mHealth, Iraq