Patterns of Influence of Diabetics’ Integrating Healthcare-Seeking Behaviours on Diabetes Management in Rongo Sub-County, Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction:
Diabetes is a fast-growing socio-economic burden, highly prevalent in Kenya due to inadequacies of mitigation measures; though manageable through appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviours (HSBs). High malaria and HIV/AIDS prevalence in Migori County reveals high susceptibility; besides, Rongo Sub County recorded the highest increment in diabetes clinic attendance in 2019. Hence, the study sought to determine the patterns of influence of diabetics’ integrating HSBs on diabetes management.
Materials and Methods:
Health Belief Model guided the study by adopting a correlational study design and convergent mixed-method approach. Yamane’s formula was applied to select 257 respondents using cluster and simple random sampling, and 5 medical practitioners purposively sampled. Results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS v.26.0 and presented in frequency tables and bar graphs.
Results:
Females were 55.2%, individuals aged> 50 years 60.9%, contemporary religious affiliation 98.9%, monthly income< Ksh. 20,000 46.0%, normal blood sugar levels 65.5%, raised blood sugar levels 22.9%, frequently integrating HSBs 86.2% and those satisfied integrating HSBs were 78.1%. Significant association and very strong positive correlation between diabetics’ integrating HSBs and diabetes management was obtained (at p-value= .01; rs= .850) using a 2-tailed Spearman’s correlation. HO was rejected and Ha accepted, showing that there was statistically significant pattern of influence of diabetics’ integrating HSBs on diabetes management.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
There were patterns of influence of diabetics’ integrating HSBs on diabetes management in the study area. We recommend that Migori County Government and Ministry of Health improve patient-healthcare worker relationships. Besides, they should identify and document acceptable informal therapies.

Keywords: Integrating, Healthcare-Seeking Behaviours, Diabetics, Diabetes Management