Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Digital Health Technologies are increasingly used to improve health outcomes worldwide. In Ghana, the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), in collaboration with Medtronic Labs, launched the Akoma Pa project to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and diabetes in rural areas through digital health solutions. This study assessed the sources of information on the regulation of digital health technologies, user preferences, and regulatory concerns among patients participating in the Akoma Pa intervention. Methods The study was conducted from February to April 2024 at selected CHAG facilities merging quantitative and qualitative data to provide understanding of user preferences, regulatory concerns and information sources on digital health technologies. Multistage and purposive sampling techniques were used for the quantitative and qualitative components, respectively. An integrative qualitative analysis using descriptive statistics in STATA version 16.0 for the quantitative data, while qualitative data were transcribed and analysed thematically, supported by Microsoft Excel version 2016. Results The mean age of the quantitative study participants was 63.4 years (± 11.8). Nearly two-thirds (61.7%) were unaware of regulations or guidelines governing digital health technologies in Ghana. Nearly half of the participants (48.4%) knew their health information was anonymised before sharing and about 73.1% were unaware that their health information might be shared with third parties without consent. More than one-third (38.8%) identified data confidentiality and privacy as major concerns. Participants expressed dissatisfaction with restricted access to their health information. In the event of a breach of confidentiality, most (83.0%) would report to health professionals or the health facility. Health professionals and facilities were the primary sources of digital health regulatory information for patients (97.1%), followed by television and radio (32.3%). Conclusion The study identified primary sources of digital health information among study participants. However, data privacy, confidentiality, data protection and sharing, and violation of patients’ rights were identified as regulatory issues and challenges associated with digital health. This suggests an urgent need to heighten patients’ education on digital health interventions with a special focus on regulatory issues and concerns. Additionally, regulations and laws should be available to govern digital health usage in Ghana.</p>