Role of inclusive self-help groups in prevention and management of diabetes and hypertension in Myanmar: a qualitative study

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing public health concern in Myanmar. Community-based self-help groups are essential for participating in health-related activities. However, little is known about the role of inclusive self-help groups (ISHG) in hypertension and diabetes management. This study aimed to assess knowledge and perception of health-related activities of ISHG and explore challenges ISHG group members encountered in performing hypertension and diabetes prevention and management activities. Methods: The study included six townships from three different regions of Myanmar, where ISHG existed. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were held in each township. A total of twelve FGDs were conducted. All discussions were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim in Myanmar language. A thematic analysis was performed using inductive and deductive approaches. Results: The findings revealed that ISHG members provided advice and counselling on behavioural risk factors for hypertension and diabetes prevention and screenings for those diseases. They also offered home care for the elderly and stroke patients who required their assistance. Community members regarded ISHG as a valuable community structure. Members of the ISHG identified a number of challenges, including lack of resources (funding, manpower, and time), lack of confidence, and lack of recognition and acceptance. Support and strengthening activities by local authorities and the government were critical to sustain ISHG's activities and efforts. Conclusions: Hypertension and diabetes management activities of ISHG are appreciative. The public and government should recognize and support ISHG to strengthen their community activities.

Differential of physical activities and its association with hypertension and diabetes in Myanmar

Background: Myanmar has been facing a high and growing burden of NCDs. Since regular physical activity has been recognized as one of the effective strategies in prevention and control of NCDs, promotion of physically active lifestyle might help in combatting a number of NCDs. This study was conducted to assess the sociodemographic differentials of physical activity and to identify the association between the insufficient physical activity and occurrence of hypertension and diabetes using data extracted from Myanmar STEP-2014-data. Methods: This study was further data analysis on 2014 STEP survey and included (5791) 40-64-year-aged participants, a subsample of STEP survey. Binary logistic regression with clustered robust standard error method was applied to estimate the effect of insufficient physical activity on occurrence of hypertension and diabetes. Results: The findings revealed that 17.5% [95%CI: 16.5%, 18.5%] of participants had the insufficient physical activity, 41.9% [95%CI: 40.6%, 43.2%] had raised blood pressure and 16.9% [95%CI: 15.9%, 17.9%] had raised blood glucose. After adjusting other covariates, the significant association between insufficient physical activity and raised blood pressure was not found; whereas insufficient physical activity was significantly contributed to occurrence of raised blood glucose. Conclusions: The present study highlighted the importance of physical activity in occurrence of raised blood glucose. The proportions of insufficient physical activity, raised blood pressure and raised blood glucose were observed as a rising pattern with increasing in age. Community-based health promotion program targeted at promoting physically active lifestyle should be adapted to interventions that are appropriate to different age structures.