ASSESSING THE SOCIOECONOMIC AND HEALTH IMPACTS OF DIABETES IN SIERRA LEONE: A CASE STUDY OF URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES

Objective: To assess the prevalence of diabetes in urban and rural communities in Sierra Leone. To evaluate the socioeconomic impacts of diabetes on affected individuals and families. To examine the access and availability of healthcare services for diabetes management in Sierra Leone. To explore community awareness and knowledge regarding diabetes prevention and management. To analyze the effectiveness of existing national and international policies in managing diabetes in Sierra Leone. Design and method: A mixed-methods design was adopted for this study, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to investigate the socioeconomic and health impacts of diabetes in urban and rural communities in Sierra Leone. Quantitative data related to healthcare access, management practices, and socioeconomic factors were collected through a representative survey of diabetic patients and healthcare providers. In-depth interviews with the community members and health professionals supplemented certain information on local perceptions and challenges regarding diabetes care. Quantitative results were analyzed using statistical software, while qualitative findings used thematic analysis to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the disparities between urban and rural settings. Results: These results indicated significant differences in diabetes care between urban and rural communities. Urban areas had better healthcare access, management practices, and public awareness, whereas rural regions had poor access to affordable medications and a low level of community awareness about diabetes. The most important socioeconomic factors, like poverty and education, were closely related to the management of diabetes and health outcomes. Also, there was the promotion of education and social support within the community. These findings underscore the need for appropriately targeted interventions to tackle this disparity and improve diabetes care across varying socioeconomic settings within Sierra Leone. Conclusions: This study examines the socioeconomic and health impacts of diabetes in Sierra Leone, focusing on urban-rural disparities. Urban areas have better healthcare access, while rural regions face challenges like poverty and low awareness. Recommendations include enhancing community education, improving medication access, and integrating diabetes care into public health initiatives through strong partnerships among stakeholders for sustainable solutions.