Exploring patients’ understanding of behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases: a study on diabetes and hypertension in Bushbuckridge, South Africa

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.