A Study of Healthcare Provided to Diabetic Patients During the Syrian Crisis in Damascus (Health Awareness, Drug Therapy, Therapeutic Follow-up)

Abstract

Background This study aims to assess the level of health care for patients with diabetes in Damascus during the Syrian crisis by studying the level of health awareness and its relationship to the levels of Hemoglobin A1c, and studying the availability of drug therapy and the quality of treatment follow-up provided for patients. Methods and materials A descriptive cross-sectional study, that used a paper questionnaire filled out by means of a mini interview, the sample was selected from patients with diabetes who were in the outpatient department of Damascus Hospital and the endocrinology clinic at the Martyr Bassam Abboud Medical Center. Results The study included 385 patients (56.6% males and 43.4% females) and 48.05% of the participants were in the age group of 40-60 years. The level of health awareness among patients was good, especially with regard to information about the role of diet and exercise in diabetes, knowledge of interpreting the results of blood sugar tests and methods to prevent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia attacks. No relationship was found between the high level of health awareness and decreased values of Hemoglobin A1C in the participants. 74.3% of the participants expressed that they do not face difficulties in order to acquire treatment, as they used to get it for free from health centers. The majority of patients checked their blood sugar level continuously and checked the levels of Hemoglobin A1c, kidney function tests, lipids and cholesterol levels periodically. Conclusion The level of health awareness for diabetic patients in Damascus is generally average, and there are no difficulties in securing treatment for the majority of patients, and the therapeutic follow-up of the disease was at a high level, as laboratory tests required for diabetes are carried out periodically and regularly