Healthcare workers’ views on type 2 diabetes mellitus management at selected clinics in Mthatha

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a non-communicable disease of global public health importance. Healthcare workers play a vital role in the management of this disease.

Aim: This study aimed to explore healthcare workers’ views on managing patients with type 2 diabetes at primary health care facilities.

Setting: The study was conducted at two primary health care facilities in Mthatha, South Africa.

Methods: This exploratory descriptive qualitative study included 28 primary health care workers. Data were collected through individual interviews and focus group discussions and analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results: Study participants’ views of poor control of type 2 diabetes mellitus were categorised under patient- and healthcare system-related factors. The patient-related factors included poor adherence to an ideal diabetic diet, poor medication adherence, a lack of personal glucometers, and dearth of support systems. The healthcare system-related factors identified were inadequate patient education, long waiting times at the health facilities, high patient volumes, limited resources, and delayed service provision. Proposed solutions to address poor control of diabetes included improving patient health education, providing diabetic patients with glucometers, multi-stakeholder management of diabetes, allocating designated areas for patients with chronic illnesses, improved resource allocation, and regular staff training.

Conclusion: Study participants perceived an improved level of control of diabetes among patients managed at the Community Health Centres. When designing interventions for the management of diabetes, both patient and healthcare system-related factors and the proposed solutions should be considered.

Contribution: This study’s findings could promote better management of diabetes at the primary health care level.