A QUALITATIVE STUDY TO EXPLORE THE REASONS FOR POOR GLYCAEMIC CONTROL AMONG ADULTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS (T2DM) IN SAUDI ARABIA.
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue. Saudi Arabia (KSA) is the second in the Middle East in terms of the prevalence of diabetes. More than half of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have poor glycaemic control in KSA. Glycaemic control is a factor linked with diabetes complications. Identifying obstacles to good glycaemic control is therefore essential to determine why patients with T2DM have poor glycaemic control. The current study identifies reasons for poor glycaemic control among adults with T2DM.
Methods: A qualitative approach has been used to investigate the experiences of adult patients with T2DM in KSA. The views of 16 patients were collected in three focus groups. The participants were selected using a purposive, non-probability sampling method. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: A good knowledge and awareness of diabetes and its complications was observed among the participants. The most common reasons for poor glycaemic control included poor adherence to medications and medical care, poor adherence to diabetes self-management behaviours and poor adherence to a healthy diet and physical exercise. No differences were found for poor glycaemic control in terms of gender or age group. The methods used to achieve good glycaemic control were reported.
Implications for public health and health promotion: This study identified a variety of explanations for poor glycaemic control linked with a wide range of factors such as personal, social, cultural and environmental factors. These results will help to recognise and resolve these obstacles, while helping health providers and researchers. This will also help to build appropriate programmes to overcome potential obstacles. It is also critical that public health and health promotion initiatives shape policy and intervention in the sense of Saudi culture, community and geography as a response to barriers to good glycaemic control among patients with T2DM.