title: Diabetic patients' perspectives on the challenges of glycaemic control.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The factors affecting the control of diabetes are complex and varied. However, little is documented in the literature on the overall knowledge of diabetic patients about glycaemic control. This study explored the patients' perspectives on the challenges of glycaemic control.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen purposively selected diabetic patients with HBA1c ≥ 9% at Mthatha General Hospital, South Africa. The interviews were conducted in the isiXhosa language and were audiotaped. Two experienced qualitative researchers independently transcribed and translated the interviews.Thematic content analysis was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three main themes emerged: overall knowledge of diabetes and treatment targets, factors affecting the control of diabetes and how glycaemic control could be improved.The majority of the participants demonstrated poor knowledge of treatment targets for diabetes. The majority of the participants reported that lack of money affected their control of diabetes. Some of the participants reported that the nearest clinics do not have doctors; hence,they are compelled to travel long distances to see doctors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Poverty, lack of knowledge and access to doctors affect the control of diabetes in the rural communities of Mthatha, South Africa. The government should address recruitment and retention of doctors in primary health care.
authors.forename: Oladele V
authors.initials: OV
authors.lastname: Adeniyi
authors.forename: Parimalane
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yogeswaran
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha. vincoladele@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Longo-Mbenza
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / Q000523:psychology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology*; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human