Barriers and facilitators to type 2 diabetes management among slum‐dwellers: A systematic review and qualitative meta‐synthesis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is on the rise worldwide, especially in developing countries. There is a significant difference between the slum‐dwellers and other urban dwellers in terms of T2D incidence rate and access to healthcare services. This review aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to T2D management among slum‐dwellers. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators to T2D management from January 1, 2002 to May 30, 2022. We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were: qualitative or mixed‐methods research, published in English, focused on slum‐dwellers and T2D or its complications, and assessed barriers and facilitators to T2D management among slum‐dwellers. Quality appraisal was conducted using the QATSDD critical appraisal tool. A thematic approach was used for data analysis and synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 17 articles were included in this review. Three analytical themes were identified: (1) Individual factors consisting of four themes: lifestyle behaviors, informational, psychological, and financial factors; (2) Health system factors consisting of three themes: patient education processes, financial protection, and service delivery; and (3) Contextual factors consisting of three themes: family support, social support, and environmental factors. CONCLUSION: Our review disclosed that the individual, health system, and context influence T2D management among slum‐dwellers. Policymakers can use the findings of this review to reduce barriers and augment facilitators to improve healthcare utilization and self‐care management among patients with T2D in slums.