Behaviour Change Communication in Self-Management of Diabetes During Covid-19 in Kenya: A Case of Diabetes Type 2 Patients at Kapsara Sub-County Hospital
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Date
2024
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Daystar University, School of Communication
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to explore Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) by Kapsara Sub-County Diabetes Wing in self- management of Type 2 Diabetes during and post COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Its objectives were to explore behaviour change communication strategies utilized in the self-management of diabetes during COVID-19, identify barriers to effective behaviour change communication and examine the long-term effects of behaviour change communication interventions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross- sectional descriptive mixed methods research design was adopted in this study and the target population comprised diabetic patients who were regular attendees who came for routine checks and treatment at Kapsara Sub-County Hospital before COVID-19 struck in March 2020. Random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 66 respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used in data collection which were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis approach. The study found that there was modification of the BCC strategies used during the pandemic was inevitable. The hospital used telehealth, bulk SMS for messaging, adopted education using the community health volunteers, the tackle box system, and hubs and spokes to enhance communication with patients and adherence to medication. The barriers to healthy social behaviours included maintaining the discipline for a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet and exercise, work-related conditions like working in difficult shifts and lack of knowledge and basic information about healthy behaviours. The study concluded that BCC interventions played a vital role in diabetes management by fostering better self-care practices, enhancing patient engagement, and addressing emotional aspects needs. The study recommends that the barriers to BCC in diabetes management need to be addressed by improving health literacy and education and technological infrastructure.
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MASTER OF ARTS in Communication
Keywords
Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), Type 2 Diabetes, COVID-19 pandemic
Citation
Kabwoya, E. A. (2024). Behaviour Change Communication in Self-Management of Diabetes During Covid-19 in Kenya: A Case of Diabetes Type 2 Patients at Kapsara Sub-County Hospital. Daystar University, School of Communication.