Abstract

ADENIYI, Oladele V.; YOGESWARAN, Parimalane; WRIGHT, Graham  and  LONGO-MBENZA, Benjamin. Diabetic patients' perspectives on the challenges of glycaemic control. Afr. j. prim. health care fam. med. (Online) [online]. 2015, vol.7, n.1, pp.1-8. ISSN 2071-2936.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/PHCFM.V7I1.767.

INTRODUCTION: The factors affecting the control of diabetes are complex and varied. However, little is documented in the literature on the overall knowledge of diabetic patients aboul glycaemic control. This study explored the patients' perspectives on the challenges of glycaemic control METHODS: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen purposively selected diabetic patients with HBAlc > 9% at Mthatha General Hospital, South Africa. The interviews were conducted in the isiXhosa language and were audiotaped. Two experienced qualitative researchers independently transcribed and translated the interviews. Thematic content analysis was conducted RESULTS: Three main themes emerged: overall knowledge of diabetes and treatment targets, factors affecting the control of diabetes and how glycaemic control could be improved. The majority of the participants demonstrated poor knowledge of treatment targets foi diabetes. The majority of the participants reported that lack of money affected their control of diabetes. Some of the participants reported that the nearest clinics do not have doctors; hence, they are compelled to travel long distances to see doctors CONCLUSION: Poverty, lack of knowledge and access to doctors affect the control of diabetes in the rural communities of Mthatha, South Africa. The government should address recruitmenl and retention of doctors in primary health care.

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