Ups and downs of receiving diabetic-related services in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the obstacles, problems, and facilitating factors in receiving healthcare services for patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.MethodsA total of 18 patients with diabetes, 3 family members of the patients, and 10 healthcare staff members, using purposive sampling, with maximum diversity in demographic variables, were interviewed. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using the content analysis method with Graneheim and Lundman's approach. Guba and Lincoln's criteria were used to measure the quality and validity of the data.ResultsWe extracted one theme, two sub-themes, four secondary categories, and 13 primary categories (443 codes). The theme of the ups and downs of receiving services was divided into two sub-themes obstacles and challenges of receiving services, and facilitators for receiving services; four secondary categories: obstacles and challenges of seeking service from the patients, and the patient's family, obstacles and challenges of receiving services by the system, solutions made by patients to solve psychological problems caused by the epidemic and facilitators to receive healthcare services from the system.DiscussionGiven the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and similar epidemics, it is crucial to develop strategies for improving healthcare access for people with diabetes. Identifying barriers and facilitators to service access is essential for policymakers to formulate more effective plans.