Barriers to Self-Care Management among Type 2 diabetes Patients in Tigray, Ethiopia: A qualitative Study

Abstract Background A diabetic patient is anticipated to follow recommended self-care management to manage diabetes properly. Adherence to self-care management is effective in the management of diabetic complications. The aim was to explore barriers to self-management among type 2 diabetes patients at Tigray, Ethiopia, 2020. Method The descriptive qualitative design was used to conduct a study between April and September 2020. Participants were selected purposively to recruit 22 patients with type 2 diabetes, 10 caretakers and health care providers. Data were analyzed thematically and Atlas ti software was used during analysis. Results The reported barriers were Lacking education to cope with the disease, being emotionally disturbed, Failing to adopt new life style, lacking social support, Perceived behavioral control and inadequacy of health care system. Conclusion Type 2 diabetes patients were unable to adhered self-care management due to educational, psychological, social, behavioral and health care system related barriers.