A Qualitative Expert Interview Study: Mobility Health in Indonesia

AbstractBackgroundIndonesia has an ageing population that can develop mobility health-related problems in the future, including osteoporosis, arthritis, sarcopenia, low back pain, neck pain, and peripheral neuropathy. However, there are limited references and research that look upon mobility health and problems surrounding it in Indonesia.AimsTo improve understanding on issues surrounding mobility health in Indonesia through a semi-structured interview with relevant experts.MethodSemi-structured qualitative interviews via phone calls were conducted with eight different experts. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Experts with experience dealing with mobility (bone, muscle, joint, movement) related issues for more than ten years, working in Indonesia, and communicating in English or Bahasa Indonesia were included.ResultsFour themes were then identified across the experts on issues surrounding mobility health in Indonesia; this includes [1] screening and assessment of mobility health, [2] treatment for mobility health problems, [3] awareness campaign, [4] supplement for mobility health.ConclusionsDiagnostic modalities for mobility health are abundant but still expensive. Treatment of mobility health with herbal medicine (jamu) might be beneficial. Fortified food or milk can improve mobility health. Social media can be a promising tool to increase awareness regarding mobility health. In general, there needs to be a change in mindset from curative to prevention in both health care providers and the general population.