Exploring the Causes of Nonattendance at Follow-Up Visits in Diabetes Mellitus Cases

Author(s): Dr. Meherunnesa Mukta, Dr. Sanjoy Kumar Saha, Dr. Tasnim Ahmed, Dr. Mohammad Atiqur Rahman, Dr. Md. Mahmudur Rahman Imrul, Dr. Arifa Akhter, Dr. Nahid mirza, Dr. Rumana Farzana, Dr. Jarin Rahman.

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is said to be an emerging health epidemic, especially within the developed world, that cannot be treated without lifelong medical supervision through clinical reviews. Failure by patients to observe these appointments greatly hinders the management of diabetes due to a number of socioeconomic, psychological, and systemic factors.

Objective:

This paper focuses on identifying factors associated with nonadherence to follow-up visits of diabetes patients attending Basundhara Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methods:

A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire survey was carried out between January 2023 and January 2024, using a systematic random sampling technique targeting 100 diagnosed diabetes patients. The Questionnaire data collection aimed at sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, history of follow-up appointments attendance, perceived barriers to follow-up medical attendance, and patients’ perceptions around the issue. In the study, ethical clearance was sought and obtained while informed consent was received from the participants.

Results:

The findings revealed that 80% of participants missed followup visits, with key reasons including lack of time (35%), insufficient awareness about follow-up importance (18%), long wait times (15%), and financial constraints (13%). Although 59% felt their concerns were adequately addressed by healthcare providers, only 10% utilized telehealth services, indicating limited access to alternative care options.

Conclusion:

This study highlights key gaps in diabetes care in Bangladesh and emphasizes patient-focused solutions. Proposed improvements include better patient education, enhanced healthcare facilities, and expanded telemedicine options. These changes aim to improve diabetes treatment, control, and patient involvement.