Community Organisations’ Role in Diabetes Self-Management in Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

AIM: To explore the role of community organisations in providing social support and facilitating self-management for individuals with type 2 diabetes in Ethiopia. METHODS: A phenomenological study approach was employed, utilising in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with a purposive sample of 25 participants. This included members of neighbourhoods and leaders of local community organisations (known locally as Idir, Equb, Tsewa, or Mahiber), as well as members of the diabetes association. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. FINDINGS: A total of 25 individuals participated in the study, including (n = 8) members of community organisations, (n = 7) community organisation leaders, (n = 5) religious leaders, (n = 3) women's association leaders, (n = 1) church-based fundraiser, and (n = 1) diabetes association representative. Three major themes were identified regarding the role of community organisations in providing social support and facilitating self-management: 1. Community cultural perceptions and diabetes awareness. 2. Community support and social networks in managing diabetes. 3. Collaboration and strategies to overcome systemic challenges in diabetes management within the community. A holistic and collaborative approach among community organisations helps support individuals with diabetes by providing essential resources. These include organising transportation to medical appointments, mobilising financial resources for treatments, and offering emotional and spiritual support, all of which enhance diabetes management. Despite these positive contributions, structural and cultural barriers persist. Religious views on diabetes influence support from faith-based institutions, with some leaders rejecting biomedicine in favour of faith-based healing. CONCLUSION: Community organisations play a crucial role in providing social support and facilitating self-management for individuals with diabetes in Ethiopia. They help overcome obstacles, mobilise resources, and fill gaps in formal healthcare by promoting healthier lifestyles. However, the effectiveness of community organisations is hampered by a lack of knowledge and awareness of effective diabetes management.