Type 1 diabetes patient experiences and management practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Uganda

Wenceslaus Sseguya; Steven James; Manfred Bwambale; Emma L Klatman; Graham D Ogle; Mary Munyagwa; Jayanthi Maniam; Ronald Wesonga; Silver Bahendeka

doi:10.1007/s40200-023-01222-4

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Type 1 diabetes patient experiences and management practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Uganda

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Type 1 diabetes patient experiences and management practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Uganda

Wenceslaus Sseguya, Steven James, Manfred Bwambale, Emma L Klatman, Graham D Ogle, Mary Munyagwa, Jayanthi Maniam, Ronald Wesonga and Silver Bahendeka

Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Vol.22, pp.1129-1137

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-023-01222-4

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Abstract

COVID-19

Diabetes self-management

Self-monitoring of blood glucose

Type 1 diabetes

Uganda

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted various aspects of the lives of persons with chronic diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the diabetes care experiences and practices adopted by persons living with T1D after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda have not been well documented. Objectives: We investigated diabetes management practices and experiences of persons with T1D during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in a rural district of southwestern Uganda. Methods: Using interactive sequential explanatory mixed methods, we conducted a cross-sectional study of persons with T1D aged 18–25 years, their caregivers and health workers. Quantitative data was exclusively collected from patients with T1D using Kobo Toolbox™ and analysed with SPSS™ version 26; qualitative interviews were used to elicit responses from purposively selected patients with T1D, plus caregivers and health workers that were analysed using a thematic framework approach. Results: The study enrolled 51 (24 males) patients with T1D; diabetes duration (mean ± SD) 6.6 ± 5 years. Access to insulin syringes significantly worsened in 19.6% of participants (p = 0.03). Insulin injection frequency (p = 0.01), blood glucose monitoring (p = 0.001) and meal frequency (p = 0.0001) significantly decreased. Qualitative interviews highlighted COVID-19 restriction measures had reduced household income, frequency of clinic visits, and access to food, diabetes support and social services. Conclusions: Experiences and practices were consistent with decisions to prioritise survival, even with known risks around metabolic control.

Details

Title: Type 1 diabetes patient experiences and management practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Uganda
Authors: Wenceslaus Sseguya (Corresponding Author) - Nsambya Hospital
Steven James (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nursing
Manfred Bwambale (Author) - Kagando Hospital
Emma L Klatman (Author) - Diabetes NSW
Graham D Ogle (Author) - Diabetes NSW
Mary Munyagwa (Author) - Kagando Hospital
Jayanthi Maniam (Author) - Diabetes NSW
Ronald Wesonga (Author) - Nsambya Hospital
Silver Bahendeka (Author) - Nsambya Hospital
Publication details: Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Vol.22, pp.1129-1137
Publisher: Springer Dordrecht
DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01222-4
ISSN: 2251-6581
Grant note: Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nursing
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99728797302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Endocrinology & Metabolism

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