The Role of Community Organisation, Religion, Spirituality and Cultural Beliefs on Diabetes Social Support and Self-Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: Integrative Literature Review

• DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02233-y
• Publication Date: 2025-01-24T05:59:40Z
• Authors: Israel Bekele Molla; Virginia Hagger; Mette Juel Rothmann; Bodil Rasmussen
• Keywords: CINAHL; PsycINFO; Diabetes management; Grey Literature

Abstract To examine the evidence for role of community organisations, religion, spirituality, cultural beliefs, and social support in diabetes self-management, we undertook an integrative literature review utilising MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, grey databases. The selected articles were appraised quality, extracted data analysed thematically. search yielded 1586 articles, after eliminating duplicates, 1434 titles abstracts screened, followed by a full-text 103 articles. Ultimately, 47 met inclusion criteria review, various study designs, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, nonrandomised clinical trials. These findings indicate that spirituality religiosity can positively affect self-management providing motivation, coping skills, support, guidance healthy behaviours. A strong system enhances glycaemic control individuals with diabetes. However, some aspects religion culture, such as beliefs about medications, may also pose challenges or barriers to self-management. Adherence medication, food choices, physical activity, use complementary alternative medicine be influenced sociocultural factors. Additionally, norms influence understanding aetiology, management, symptom reactions. highlight it is crucial understand cultural, religious, spiritual influences either assist impede habits could inform interventions personalised effective care.