Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) continues to represent a significant and escalating global public health challenge, accounting for over 1.5 million deaths in 2021. Purpose This study explored the perceived barriers and facilitators to glycemic control among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MBRRH) in Eastern Uganda. Methods and materials : A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at the diabetic clinic of MBRRH from May to June 2024. Fifteen participants, including Patients with T2DM (n = 10) and health workers (n = 5), were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth and key informant interviews using semi-structured interview guides, recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic saturation was achieved during the 15th interview. Data were analyzed using a hybrid thematic approach informed by the six constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM). Results Of the 10 in-depth interview participants, the majority were female (n = 7) and aged over 50 years (n = 8). Eleven subthemes, corresponding to the six themes of the Health Belief Model (HBM), were identified and classified as barriers or facilitators. Key barriers identified were low risk perception, stockout of antidiabetic medicines, herbal medicine use, financial constraints, fear of complications, drug adverse effects, and Dietary challenges. Facilitators were clinical advice, family support, education, and self-confidence. Conclusions Glycemic control is multifaceted and heavily influenced by interconnected socioeconomic, behavioral, cultural, and health-system factors at MBRRH. Multi-strategic primary health care interventions that address medicine stockouts, financial barriers, dietary challenges, diabetes education, and social support systems are urgently needed in Eastern Uganda.</p>