Experiences with Cardiovascular Risk Management in Dakar, Senegal West Africa

Purpose: Cardiovascular risk conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are anticipated to soon eclipse communicable and poverty-related diseases as the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a pilot study which explores experiences with diabetes and hypertension among a clinic-based sample in Senegal, West Africa. Methods: Sample Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with Senegalese patients with hypertension and/or diabetes at a primary care clinic in Dakar Senegal, in 2009. Interviews covered access to care, beliefs about their condition, diet, and family- and community- support. Analysis: Guided by the PEN-3 cultural model which addresses health behaviors of people of the African descent, we employ qualitative content analysis to identify emergent themes. Results: Sixty percent of the sample was female, over 1/3 of the sample indicated that they lacked money for basic needs and over half indicated that they did not have money for items beyond money for food and shelter. Over a quarter of the sample had co-morbid hypertension and diabetes. Major themes centered on access to proper nutrition, and fear among family members. For example, participants indicated:”…we are in a third world country. .. it is difficult to get balance nutrition. We do not have the means.” and “Every time I get sick; my family …are scared because hypertension is a disease that kills people often and quickly in Senegal. Conclusions: Understanding barriers to hypertension and diabetes management in Senegal can help to develop public health infrastructure that targets the emerging epidemic of cardiovascular disease.