Diabetic patients' perspectives on the challenges of glycaemic control

Introduction: The factors affecting the control of diabetes are complex and varied. However; little is documented in the literature on the overall knowledge of diabetic patients about glycaemic control. This study explored the patients' perspectives on the challenges of glycaemic control. Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen purposively selected diabetic patients with HBA1c = 9% at Mthatha General Hospital, South Africa. The interviews were conducted in the isiXhosa language and were audiotaped. Two experienced qualitative researchers independently transcribed and translated the interviews.Thematic content analysis was conducted. Results: Three main themes emerged: overall knowledge of diabetes and treatment targets, factors affecting the control of diabetes and how glycaemic control could be improved. The majority of the participants demonstrated poor knowledge of treatment targets for diabetes. The majority of the participants reported that lack of money affected their control of diabetes. Some of the participants reported that the nearest clinics do not have doctors; hence,they are compelled to travel long distances to see doctors. Conclusion: Poverty; lack of knowledge and access to doctors affect the control of diabetes in the rural communities of Mthatha; South Africa. The government should address recruitment and retention of doctors in primary health care

Issues and potential solutions when capturing health data in rural clinics in South Africa

This paper highlights the data and information required by various International bodies, including WHO, PEPFAR, World Bank and the South African Government regarding HIV and its associated programmes and comorbidities. It explores the current collection of data in South African rural clinics and reports on the results from in-depth interviews with nurses regarding the burden of data collection and the perceptions and attitudes to electronic solutions including smart phones and tablet computers(AU)

Este artículo destaca los datos y la información requeridos por diversos organismos internacionales, como la OMS, el PEPFAR, el Banco Mundial y el Gobierno de Sudáfrica en relación con el VIH y sus programas asociados y comorbilidades. Explora la colección actual de los datos en las clínicas rurales de Sudáfrica y los informes sobre los resultados de las entrevistas en profundidad con las enfermeras con respecto a la carga de la recopilación de datos y las percepciones y actitudes hacia soluciones electrónicas, incluyendo teléfonos inteligentes y tablet PC(AU)