The Role of Information in Addressing Diabetes at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Date
2012
Authors
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study investigated the role of information in addressing diabetes at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data for the study were collected from both secondary sources (by review of documentary sources) and primary sources (through face-to-face interview with key informants, self-administered questionnaires and observations). Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis while quantitative data through the SPSS programme. Findings from the study revealed that although majority of respondents were aware of diabetes, some of them were not fully aware of the problem. That might have been a result of various challenges facing them when accessing information on diabetes, including shortage of healthcare professionals with adequate knowledge on causes, signs, diagnosis and treatment. It was noted from the study that many diabetic patients preferred to have used these healthcare professionals as their primary and reliable sources of information on diabetes. Shortage of these healthcare professionals prevented accurate dissemination of information on diabetes not only to the diabetic patients, but also to the general public. The study concluded that awareness of diabetes and its associated risk factors to the general public is essential for both effective and early detection of diabetes. Therefore, it is imperative that such healthcare professionals be equipped with adequate diabetes knowledge so that they provide the general public with adequate diabetes education and information that would empower them to understand diabetes and its causes, symptoms, treatment, self-care recommendations and skills; and necessary preventive measures to avoid getting diabetes.
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Available in print form
Keywords
Diabetes, Information services, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Citation
Kassim, M. (2012). The Role of Information in Addressing Diabetes at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Available at (http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/search.aspx?formtype=advanced)