Influencing factors of hypertension and diabetes care cascade: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: Employing the cascade care model, this qualitative study explores determinants influencing the cascading care stages of hypertension and diabetes by interviewing various stakeholders. Methods: In July 2023, purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants from Gongyi and Wugang cities in Henan Province, and Linqu County in Weifang City, Shandong Province. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of policymakers, healthcare institution managers, providers, and patients with hypertension and diabetes.And thematic analysis was performed using both inductive and deductive approaches. Results: A total of 82 individuals were interviewed, with an age range of (53.8±12.0) years, among which 48 (58.5%) were male; including 5 policymakers, 10 institutional managers, 20 healthcare providers, and 47 patients with hypertension and diabetes. The study identified both barriers and facilitating factors at the patient, healthcare provider, and system levels across various stages: awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment, long-term management, and control of hypertension and diabetes. Conclusion: By delineating and analyzing the barriers and facilitators at each stage of hypertension and diabetes care, this study lays the groundwork for the development of effective, feasible, and sustainable implementation pathways, with significant implications for the enhanced management of hypertension and diabetes in China.