Exploring type 2 diabetes self-management practices in rural Bangladesh: facilitators, barriers and expectations-a qualitative study protocol.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health crisis impacting low-income and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. While self-management is encouraged for individuals with T2DM, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding the factors of facilitators, barriers and expectations associated with T2DM self-management in Bangladesh. This research aims to investigate the potential elements that support, impede and are anticipated in the effective practice of self-management for T2DM in rural areas of Bangladesh. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will use an exploratory qualitative approach. 16 focus group discussions, 13 in-depth interviews and 9 key informant interviews will be conducted among multilevel stakeholders, including people with T2DM, their caregivers, healthcare providers, health managers/administrators and policy planners. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed using thematic analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This research project has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (project reference number 39483) and the Ethical Review Committee of the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (Memo CIPRB/ERC/2023/14). Research findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. Published reports will include group data. Individual data privacy will be strictly maintained.