Cancelled & Moved to Virtual Presentation

Introduction: The rapid rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cervical cancer, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental illness remain a major public health challenge in Bangladesh. Older population (≥ aged 60) living in the rural settings bear the high burden of NCDs. Effective health system is crucial to organize quality NCD services. This study examined the health system challenges and opportunities in organizing NCD services for major NCDs at rural settings. Methods: We conducted 15 in-depth interviews with first-line healthcare providers, 14 key informant interviews with facility-level providers and managers, and 16 focus group discussions with community members. Using health system dynamics framework, data were analyzed thematically. The triangulation of methods, participants, and sites was performed to validate the information provided. Results: Organization of NCD services was influenced by a wide range of health system factors, including lack of following standard treatment guidelines and protocols, under-regulated informal and profit-based private healthcare sectors, poor health information system and record-keeping, and poor stewardship. Furthermore, the lack of functional referral services; insufficient medicine, diagnostic facilities, logistics supply; and untrained workforces emerged as key weaknesses. The availability of NCD-related policy documents, the vast network of healthcare infrastructure, increased demand for NCD services were identified as the major opportunities. Conclusion: Despite the substantial potential, the health system challenge impeded the delivery of NCD services at rural settings. This weakness needs be to addressed to organize quality NCD services to better respond to the rising burden of NCDs.

Authors:
Md Ashraful Kabir, Monash University, Australia
Md Nazmul Karim, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Australia
Baki Billah, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Cancelled & Moved to Virtual Presentation | Mr Md Ashraful Kabir is a University Doctoral Student at Monash University in Australia

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

Bookmark