Barriers faced during the management of Diabetic patients with comorbidities at Jinja regional referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background

Patients with comorbidities also require more frequent hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and outpatient appointments. The study aims to assess the barriers faced during the management of patients with comorbidities at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study that employed quantitative data techniques was used. Simple random sampling was used to select participants in the study. Descriptive statistics was used to assess the frequency distribution of the three risk categories. A Chi-square test assessed the categorical variables and trends in the prevalence of diabetic comorbidities.

Results

Most patients were married 191(67.3%), majority came from rural areas 167(58.8%), majority of the patients were employed 144(50.7%), Patients with type 1 DM were 41(14.4%) and type 2 DM were 243(85.6%). The number of diabetic patients who faced difficulties in transportation to the health facility was 41, those who had limited self-care services were 36, patients who faced a delay in care seeking were 55, patients who could not afford medicines were 103 and lastly, patients who had a poor attitude towards health workers were 54

Conclusion

The barriers faced in the management of patients with diabetes were transport difficulties, limited self-care services, delayed care seeking, unaffordable medical care, and poor attitudes of health workers.

Recommendation

The Ministry of Health through health workers at all levels implements nationwide screening programs for diabetes and its comorbidities, especially among high-risk populations to reduce the risk of developing diabetic comorbidities.