Health insurance in rural Tanzania promotes self-care for among patients with non-communicable diseases via their disease management behaviours.

BACKGROUND

The rise of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) in Tanzania underscores the importance of self-care practices (SCP) for disease management. Despite the proven effectiveness of SCP, financial barriers in resource-limited rural areas hinder continuous care. Health insurance (HI) emerges as a critical solution to alleviate financial constraints and support SCP.

METHODS

This study examined an association between HI and SCP by generalised linear and ordinal logistic regressions, adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Mediation analysis highlighted the role of disease management behaviours (hospital visits and medication adherence) in the association. Data were collected through individual interviews with 909 patients.

RESULTS

Better SCP for HTN and DM were associated with the National Health Insurance Fund (HTN: coefficient=0.571; DM: coefficient=0.567, p<0.001) and the improved Community Health Fund (iCHF) or CHF (HTN: coefficient=0.330; DM: coefficient=0.472, p<0.05), after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. Mediation analysis showed that disease management behaviours partially or fully mediated the relationship between HI and SCP.

CONCLUSIONS

Enrolment in HI by patients in rural Tanzania exhibited better disease management behaviours and SCP. Efforts should focus on leveraging the HI schemes to expand their coverage in rural areas, which could benefit patients with non-communicable diseases.