Health system-related barriers affecting access to and adherence to antidiabetic medications among adult patients at Gombe General Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/jaet0m02Keywords:
Health system barriers, drug stock-outs, patient–provider relationship, medication adherence, antidiabetic medications, diabetes management, Gombe General HospitalAbstract
Background:
Health system factors such as drug availability, service delivery, and patient–provider interaction influence consistent use of antidiabetic medications. This study aims to assess the health system-related barriers affecting access to and adherence to antidiabetic medications among adult patients at Gombe General Hospital.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 36 adult diabetic patients attending the hospital's diabetes clinic. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with Microsoft Excel.
Results:
The majority of respondents were female (72.2%) and elderly, with half of the participants aged 60 years and above. A significant proportion had a low level of formal education, with 91.6% having only primary-level education or none at all. The majority (94.4%) reported a monthly income of 300,000 UGX or less, indicating a low socioeconomic status. The most prevalent challenge was drug stock-outs, experienced by 80.6% of patients, directly impacting the reliability of medication supply. The high cost of medication was also a major barrier, affecting 75% of respondents. Long distances to the facility and long waiting times were significant challenges for 41.7% and 33.3% of patients, respectively. Provides a nuanced view of the health system's performance. The interpersonal factors were excellent, with all patients finding health workers supportive.
Conclusion:
Health system barriers, particularly drug stock-outs, high medication costs, and access challenges, significantly affect consistent utilization of antidiabetic medications despite positive patient–provider relationships.
Recommendation:
Strengthening medicine supply chains and reducing patient costs, alongside improving service accessibility, is necessary to enhance sustained adherence to treatment.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Diana Nakigudde, George Kalfred Masete, Hasifa Nansereko, Francisco Ssemuwemba, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Jane Frank Nalubega (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
