Self-care and health seeking for diabetes and hypertension in Cambodia
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11490983 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Marius Wamsiedel (0000-0003-2164-5126, Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University , 8, Duke Avenue, Kunshan, Jiangsu Province), Dyna Khuon (0009-0004-7593-7436, University of Health Sciences , 73 Preah Monivong Blvd (93), Phnom Penh, corresponding author), Yunguo Liu (0000-0002-2245-4893, Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University , 8, Duke Avenue, Kunshan, Jiangsu Province), Vonthanak Saphonn (0000-0002-5620-0517, University of Health Sciences , 73 Preah Monivong Blvd (93), Phnom Penh) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 910-919 |
| Publication date | 2025-09-17 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Health Policy and Planning (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0268-1080 • E-ISSN: 1460-2237 |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1093/heapol/czaf039 |
| PMID | 40570194 |
| OpenAlex | W4411675865 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 36 |
Cambodia is experiencing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as it undergoes an epidemiological transition. This qualitative study investigates the health-seeking behaviors of Cambodians in the context of hypertension and diabetes, focusing on the utilization of both formal healthcare and alternative medical practices. Data are from 20 in-depth interviews with participants without social health protection and 6 focus groups (n = 48), involving beneficiaries of the Health Equity Fund (HEF) and National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The research explores personal experiences with NCD management, perceptions of social health protection schemes, and perceived barriers to accessing healthcare. Data were collected in urban and rural settings in Cambodia, with thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo 14 software. Many participants delayed seeking biomedical advice due to economic constraints, cultural beliefs, and perceived inadequacies in the healthcare system. Traditional remedies and self-medication were commonly reported, often due to their accessibility and lower cost compared to biomedical healthcare services. Despite the availability of HEF and NSSF, structural challenges within the healthcare system, such as shortages of medications and trained staff at public health centers, emerged as significant barriers. Pharmacy workers and village healers are insufficiently utilized human resources. Formalizing their role in the secondary prevention of NCDs could contribute to the early detection of diabetes and hypertension. The findings suggest the need for an integrated health system that strengthens the capacity of primary care facilities to manage NCDs effectively and utilizes the semi-professional sector more systematically. Strengthening primary care, expanding service availability, and improving social health protection schemes are essential to reduce health disparities and improve access to quality care for NCDs in Cambodia
Business · Context (archaeology) · Economic growth · Health care · Health equity · Political science · Public health · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social determinants of health · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology · Healthcare Systems and Practices · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · Medicine · Nursing
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| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |