Facilitators and barriers for early detection and management of type II diabetes and hypertension, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

Background: The burden of Non-communicable diseases (NCD) is rapidly increasing in Ethiopia and remains public health problem. The diseases have led to a double burden of diseases in the country. Method: it was a qualitative study designed to explore facilitators and barriers for early detection and management of type II diabetes and hypertension, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of four focused group discussions, twelve key informant interviews and twelve in-depth interviews were conducted; the data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analysed using a content analysis approach. The study was conducted in the selected governmental primary health care units (health centres and primary hospitals) from February to June 2021. Results: The primary identified demand-side facilitators were; fear of early death, family history, exposure to mass media, knowledge of NCDs, and illness of unknown origin. As the same time the identified supply-side facilitators were. Concern of the federal government, the availability of the right policy, and the willingness of some health care providers. Also, financial problems, the unwelcoming approach of the health care providers, knowledge deficit, and lack of trust in public health facilities are recognized as demand-side barriers. In addition, lack of trained medical personnel, unavailability of screening and diagnostic materials, and dissatisfaction of the primary health care unit workers were identified as supply-side barriers to early detection and management of diabetes and hypertension.
Ethiopian Journal of public health and nutrition, Vol 6 No 1 (2023): EJPHN Volume 6 Issue 1