Diabetes mellitus in Myanmar: Socio-cultural challenges and strength

Abstract

Myanmar is a country with significant administrative and natural divisions. Access to health-care in few parts is adversely affected by socio-economic as well as infrastructural development. With the prevalence of more than 10%, diabetes needs a special attention including the psycho-social management. Major challenges including public health seeking behavioral issues, presence of traditional medicine, life-style and diet and issues pertaining to religion and environmental was studied in the current study to find out ways for improvement in the overall diabetes care in Myanmar. Although, diabetes project, under the guidance and support by World Health Organization, has been implementing the strategies for prevention, early case detection and proper diabetes care in Myanmar, few areas of concern discussed in the paper needs to be taken into consideration and implemented in the project to have the optimal outcome. Not only stake holders but also health-care personals are responsible for improvement in all aspects of diabetes by modification of health-care system and facilitating the desired changes.

Urban-rural differences in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases risk factors among 25–74 years old citizens in Yangon Region, Myanmar: a cross sectional study

“…Studies have reported that salt-intake in South-East Asian countries is high [42], and because salt and mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) intake are associated with high blood pressure [43–45], they could be a contributor to high prevalence of hypertension in Myanmar. The salt intake in Myanmar has not yet been estimated, but there are traditions for eating salty food, and salt has been used for preservation of food [46]. Risk factors of hypertension should be further studied in order to identifying preventive strategies of hypertension reduction.…”

The Contribution of Family History and Overview of the Early Age of Diabetes Mellitus (Case Study in Urban Areas of Central Java Indonesia)

“…But if the other factors are controlled then the emergence of the symptoms can occur at the older age or even absolutely no symptoms of DM. Lifestyle is the main reason for the occurance of DM symptoms, which causes an increase in diabetes cases [6], [10]- [12]. As well as the results of research that states, in addition to the history of the disease in the family (gene), as a trigger of diabetes is mainly determined by obesity and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.…”

“…While the risk factors that can be modified are closely related to unhealthy life behaviors, namely over weight, abdominal obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, smoking, which can arise due to the socio-cultural environment [3]- [5]. Various socio-cultural and psychosocial problems are factors that play an important role in the incidence of diabetes and cause diabetes care to be ineffective [6], [7]. Family support and the role of relatives have an important role in improving disease [8], [9].While lifestyle is the main reason for the increase in diabetes cases [6], [10]- [12].…”

“…Various socio-cultural and psychosocial problems are factors that play an important role in the incidence of diabetes and cause diabetes care to be ineffective [6], [7]. Family support and the role of relatives have an important role in improving disease [8], [9].While lifestyle is the main reason for the increase in diabetes cases [6], [10]- [12]. In a family having DM and being inherited in one's genes is unavoidable and is a potential for the symptoms and signs of diabetes, although this incident can be prevented from appearing as long as possible, controlled or even avoided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.…”

Myanmar Diabetes Care Model: Bridging the Gap Between Urban and Rural Healthcare Delivery

“…Major challenges in the diabetes care service in Myanmar are public health seeking behaviour issues, presence of traditional medicine, lifestyle and diet issues and issues pertaining to religion and environment. 19 There is also a wide gap in the equity of delivery of diabetes care between the rural and urban areas. Standard of care for diabetes is available only in cities where majority of physicians and diabetologists work.…”