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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on type 2 diabetes care and factors associated with care disruption in Kenya and Tanzania.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on type 2 diabetes care and factors associated with care disruption in Kenya and Tanzania.

Authors :
Sanya RE
Karugu CH
Binyaruka P
Mohamed SF
Kisia L
Kibe P
Mashasi I
Mhalu G
Bunn C
Deidda M
Mair FS
Grieve E
Gray CM
Mtenga S
Asiki G
Source :
Global health action [Glob Health Action] 2024 Dec 31; Vol. 17 (1), pp. 2345970. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 May 22.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare delivery globally, impacting care access and delivery of essential services.<br />Objectives: We investigated the pandemic's impact on care for patients with type 2 diabetes and factors associated with care disruption in Kenya and Tanzania.<br />Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults diagnosed with diabetes pre-COVID-19. Data were collected in February-April 2022 reflecting experiences at two time-points, three months before and the three months most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire captured data on blood glucose testing, changes in medication prescription and access, and healthcare provider access.<br />Results: We recruited 1000 participants (500/country). Diabetes care was disrupted in both countries, with 34.8% and 32.8% of the participants reporting change in place and frequency of testing in Kenya, respectively. In Tanzania, 12.4% and 17.8% reported changes in location and frequency of glucose testing, respectively. The number of health facility visits declined, 14.4% ( p  < 0.001) in Kenya and 5.6% ( p  = 0.001) in Tanzania. In Kenya, there was a higher likelihood of severe care disruption among insured patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI][1.05-2.34]; p  = 0.029) and a lower likelihood among patients residing in rural areas (aOR, 0.35[95%CI, 0.22-0.58]; p  < 0.001). Tanzania had a lower likelihood of severe disruption among insured patients (aOR, 0.51[95%CI, 0.33-0.79]; p  = 0.003) but higher likelihood among patients with low economic status (aOR, 1.81[95%CI, 1.14-2.88]; p  = 0.011).<br />Conclusions: COVID-19 disrupted diabetes care more in Kenya than Tanzania. Health systems and emergency preparedness should be strengthened to ensure continuity of service provision for patients with diabetes.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1654-9880
Volume :
17
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Global health action
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
38774927
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2024.2345970