Experiences of type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

BACKGROUND As the impact of diabetes grows steeply in sub-Saharan Africa, improvement of the control and treatment of diabetes is a goal that health care systems in sub-Saharan Africa must achieve in the near future. Sub-Saharan Africa faces a number of challenges in addressing the increasing effects of diabetes. One important factor is the shortage of adequately trained health care workers. Diabetes management in sub-Saharan Africa would benefit from innovative approaches that are founded upon solid theoretical constructs, built upon existing human resources and infrastructure, and culturally tailored to the priorities and needs of the local population. Existing resources, such as mobile phones and task-shifting strategies, may be used to assist individuals with glycemic self-management and to facilitate management of additional day-to-day clinical responsibilities. OBJECTIVE The objective of the Nurse-Led Education and Engagement Study for Diabetes Care (NEEDS) mixed-methods protocol is to develop a practical, collaborative, effective, and sustainable program for diabetes prevention and management specifically for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa. The protocol aims to improve access to care through task-shifting strategies and the use of mobile health technology. METHODS This study was designed using a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach that consisted of surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and focused ethnography. Novel approaches, such as task-shifting strategies and the use of mobile technology, were implemented for type 2 diabetes mellitus health care in sub-Saharan Africa—currently an under-researched area. RESULTS Data collection began in February 2018, after ethics approval, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. As of May 2020, participant surveys have been completed (N=100), key informant interviews (n=7) have been completed, and focus groups (5 focus groups; patients, n=18; caregivers, n=6; community leaders, n=2; and faith leaders, n=3) as well as focused ethnographic field observations have been completed. All audio recordings have been transcribed and transcripts of sessions recorded in Twi have been translated to English. Data analysis is currently underway and anticipated completion is in the spring of 2020. Following data analysis, investigators plan to publish study findings. CONCLUSIONS Insights from this study will inform the preliminary development of a feasible and effective nurse-led education and engagement mobile health intervention that has the potential to reduce diabetes-related morbidity, mortality, and burden in sub-Saharan Africa. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/15408

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Effectiveness and safety of self-management interventions among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in sub-Saharan Africa

JBI Evidence Synthesis ◽

10.11124/jbies-21-00062 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽

Author(s):

Naomi Carter ◽

Pritpal Chahal ◽

Kaushik Chattopadhyay

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Self Management ◽

Adult Type ◽

Management Interventions ◽

Sub Saharan

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School-based Health Promotion Intervention to Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa

Acta Scientific Nutritional Health ◽

10.31080/asnh.2019.03.0536 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (12) ◽

pp. 78-82

Author(s):

Sophonie Ndahayo

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Health Promotion Intervention ◽

School Based ◽

Sub Saharan

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Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in children

Oxford Textbook of Endocrinology and Diabetes ◽

10.1093/med/9780199235292.003.1430 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 1838-1848

Author(s):

Krystyna A. Matyka

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Developing Countries ◽

Type 1 Diabetes ◽

Incidence Rates ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Low Incidence

The global incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in childhood is increasing, with the greatest rise occurring in younger children (under five years of age). Data suggest that the annual rise is of the order of 3% and that changes in incidence figures are also occurring in those countries that have traditionally had low incidence rates of type 1 diabetes. Data collated for the IDF Diabetes Atlas suggest that one-quarter of all children with type 1 diabetes reside in Southeast Asia and more than a fifth are from Europe. However, data ascertainment from developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South America can be poor, so these figures may be misleading. Table 13.4.7.1 summarizes the data from 2007 examining incidence and prevalence by region (where available) (1). The reasons for the increasing prevalence of childhood diabetes are unclear. Improvements in diagnosis and management in developing countries may account for some of the increasing prevalence in these parts of the world. Some studies also suggest that the rise in type 1 diabetes may reflect the rise in childhood obesity, and that type 1 and type 2 diabetes may represent points on a spectrum of disease: the so-called ‘accelerator hypothesis’. Type 2 diabetes is also becoming common in children, associated with increasing rates of obesity and physical inertia. Whatever the causes, the challenges of the management of diabetes in children and young people are significant. Audit data highlight significant problems, with many children experiencing poor glycaemic control (2). This chapter aims to explore the special considerations of diabetes in the young.

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