Pilusa Thabo D, Ntimana Cairo B, Maphakela Mahlodi P, Maimela Eric
Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Limpopo, South Africa.
DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Sovenga St, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa.
BMC Public Health. 2025 Apr 8;25(1):1320. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22514-9.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 41 million annual deaths worldwide, or 74% of all deaths. Notably, 86% of the 17 million premature deaths attributed to NCDs occur in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the burden of these diseases, many patients lack sufficient knowledge of behavioral risk factors that contribute to NCDs. The study aimed to explore the knowledge of patients diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension about behavioral risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases.
The study employed a qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and participants were selected purposively. The data analysis followed Tesch's open thematic approach, applied at various levels and based on patient-provided text data, with the thematic analysis, the researcher was able to organize and interpret the data presented in the themes systematically.
Four major themes emerged regarding the understanding of behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases among patients diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension. These include unhealthy eating habits and poor lifestyle choices, mental health issues and stress, challenges patients face in adhering to medications, and optimal management of their conditions, cultural practices, and beliefs.
The study shed some insights into the knowledge of patients diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension about behavioral risk factors contributing to NCD. They indicated that witchcraft, cultural beliefs, and inadequate health education could have resulted in NCDs, which influenced them to consult traditional healers before coming to the health facility. The observations of participants underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the knowledge of patients regarding behavioral risk factors for NCDs.
非传染性疾病（NCDs）每年在全球造成4100万人死亡，占所有死亡人数的74%。值得注意的是，在归因于非传染性疾病的1700万过早死亡中，86%发生在低收入和中等收入国家。尽管这些疾病负担沉重，但许多患者对导致非传染性疾病的行为风险因素缺乏足够的了解。该研究旨在探讨被诊断患有糖尿病和高血压的患者对导致非传染性疾病的行为风险因素的了解情况。
该研究采用了定性、探索性和描述性设计。通过半结构化访谈收集数据，并有目的地选择参与者。数据分析采用泰施的开放式主题方法，在不同层面应用，并基于患者提供的文本数据，通过主题分析，研究人员能够系统地组织和解释主题中呈现的数据。
在被诊断患有糖尿病和高血压的患者中，出现了关于对非传染性疾病行为风险因素理解的四个主要主题。这些包括不健康的饮食习惯和不良的生活方式选择、心理健康问题和压力、患者在坚持服药方面面临的挑战以及对自身病情的最佳管理、文化习俗和信仰。
该研究对被诊断患有糖尿病和高血压的患者对导致非传染性疾病的行为风险因素的了解提供了一些见解。结果表明，巫术、文化信仰和健康教育不足可能导致了非传染性疾病，这影响了他们在前往医疗机构之前咨询传统治疗师。参与者的观察结果强调了迫切需要有针对性的干预措施，以提高患者对非传染性疾病行为风险因素的认识。
