Teleconsultation for Managing Physiological Risk Factors of Preventable Noncommunicable Diseases in Indonesian Adults: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Laila Rahmah, Muhammad Anas, Maryam Mahmoudi, Kian Bagheri, Ardalan ShariatBackground:
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) present a growing public health challenge in Indonesia, where rapid urbanization and suburban lifestyle shifts contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Indonesia’s vast geography and limited specialized care impede traditional health care delivery. Teleconsultation offers a cost-effective solution to bridge these access gaps, though evidence-based, context-specific interventions remain urgently needed.
Objective:
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a teleconsultation intervention on key physiological NCD risk factors among suburban Indonesian adults. Primary outcomes include changes in blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, total cholesterol, uric acid, and peripheral oxygen saturation.
Methods:
This parallel-group, open-label randomized controlled trial utilizes a 1:1 allocation ratio with blinded outcome assessors and data analysts. Recruitment occurred between February and July 2025. Baseline evaluations measured key physiological parameters alongside validated assessments of dietary intake, physical activity, and digital health literacy. Following a 1-week familiarization phase, participants completed a 10-week intervention delivered via WhatsApp and videoconferencing. Primary outcomes are evaluated at baseline, Week 10, and long-term follow-up. Quantitative data will be analyzed using an intention-to-treat framework with linear mixed-effects models or appropriate nonparametric alternatives. Semistructured interviews will capture qualitative implementation insights using reflexive thematic analysis.
Current Status:
A total of 74 participants were recruited and randomized equally into intervention (
Conclusions:
This protocol outlines a structured teleconsultation framework targeting preventable NCD risk factors in suburban Indonesian populations. It will provide essential evidence regarding implementation feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness upon project completion.