Impact of Traditional and Modern Clinics on Diabetes Control in Zanzibar: A Case of Urban West Region- Unguja

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the impact of traditional and modern clinics on diabetes management in Urban West Region of Unguja. The sample size for this study consisted of 80 geriatrics diabetes patients. Survey questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyse the collected data from relevant respondents. The findings showed that, diabetes medicines are available in the clinics for almost (73.8%). It was found out that, much of the geriatrics diabetes patients around (56.3%) believed in modern rather than traditional medicines. However, both of them were used and have positive impact on diabetes control in the Urban West Region of Unguja - Zanzibar. Finally, the study recommends that, provision of education concerning diabetes should be prioritized. The authorities responsible for the supervision of drugs especially ZFDA and Ministry of Health must conduct more research on the traditional medicines. The medicines used for the treatment of the diabetes administered to the geriatrics diabetes patients must be procured in adequate quantities. School curricula should include several topics of diabetes. National multi-sectorial committees should be formulated to review the policy and regulation of traditional services provision and delivery in Zanzibar.

Keywords: Geriatrics, Traditional clinics, Modern clinics and Diabetes Control

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/82-05

Publication date: November 30^th 2020