International Journal of Tropical Medicine
ISSN: Online 1818-779XISSN: Print 1816-3319
99
Views
2
Downloads
Exploring the Perception and Preventive Practices Among Diabetes Patients in Rural Areas of Cross Rivers State
Bassey E. Immaculata, ElusojiI Christiana, Bassey E. Emmanuel, Okutepa T. Eleojo, Ozor A. Rose, Iniomor Mary, Oke‐Ose N. Josephine, Anwuli Emina, Munge E. Mary, Akpojaro Ejovi and Ohanme Eugene Ohams
Page: 12-23 | Received 25 Oct 2024, Published online: 28 Dec 2024
Full Text Reference XML File PDF File
Abstract
Diabetes is becoming a major public health concern in rural Nigeria especially in Cross River State because of the social economic and cultural practices that determine the care of the disease. This paper aims to identify the cultural perception, preventive measure and factors influencing access to health care among the Efik tribe of the rural Cross River State. As part of this study, the prevalence, management and socio‐economic burden of diabetes are evaluated using a qualitative synthesis of secondary data sources from the literature, government documents and community surveys. The studies reveal that the rate of diabetes has risen with statistics suggesting that between 3.5% and 5.2% of the adult population now has Type 2 diabetes. Such challenges include poor access to health facilities particularly in rural areas, low levels of Diabetes education and Literacy and socio‐economic characteristics that determine food choice and change of these behaviors. Taboos about the disease, including the perception that diabetes is caused by spirits or a curse and cultural beliefs also present barriers to timely use of health care services resulting in worsening of the disease. Lack of resources has also caused poor eating habits, which has boosted the prevalence of obesity and in return complicated the management of diabetes. Accordingly, the study recommends that for improved diabetes management in rural Cross River State, there is need to improve on the existing health‐care facilities, provide more health education, make the drugs cheaper and erase cultural beliefs that are associated with the disease. The strategies must therefore focus on early diagnosis, medication compliance and lifestyle modification with regards to the cultural setting in the community. The study’s findings are useful to enhance diabetes care and prevention in other rural areas in Nigeria and other sub‐Saharan African countries.
How to cite this article:
Bassey E. Immaculata, ElusojiI Christiana, Bassey E. Emmanuel, Okutepa T. Eleojo, Ozor A. Rose, Iniomor Mary, Oke‐Ose N. Josephine, Anwuli Emina, Munge E. Mary, Akpojaro Ejovi and Ohanme Eugene Ohams. Exploring the Perception and Preventive Practices Among Diabetes Patients in Rural Areas of Cross Rivers State.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makijtm.2025.1.12.23
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1816-3319/10.36478/makijtm.2025.1.12.23