Diabetic Care Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic: Primary Healthcare Physicians’ Perspective

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading chronic disease worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary healthcare centers were the main entry point for patients with diabetes. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic strained the primary healthcare system, including diabetic care. Objective: This study aimed to carry out an assessment of diabetes care challenges from the perspective of primary care physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 May 2021 and 30 June 2021 in primary health centers using a self-report questionnaire from PHC physicians. Challenges in providing health services for type 2 diabetes were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS software using descriptive statistics, T-tests, chi-square tests, and the ANOVA test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Two hundred and twenty-two primary care physicians participated in the study. Half of them, 114 (51%), had adequate confidentiality in treating patients with COVID-19. The majority of participating physicians (216; 97.3%) faced challenges in managing diabetic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic (p-value 0.05). Male, non-Saudi physicians > 40 years, working in rural areas, without training were more likely to have faced challenges managing DM patients during COVID-19 (p-value 0.05). Conclusions: Most PHC physicians face challenges in managing patients with diabetes mellitus who have COVID-19. Decision makers should increase preparedness for future emergencies to address the significant challenges identified. Keywords: primary healthcare; physicians; COVID-19; chronic diseases; diabetes