Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases and Access to Healthcare Among Internally Displaced People During the Armed Conflict, Northern State (Sudan).

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases emerge as major public health challenges with increasing prevalence and mortality. The armed conflict in Sudan has resulted in the displacement of 6.8 million people, putting a significant strain on the health sector in the displacement areas. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and access to healthcare services among internally displaced people in Northern Sudan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected internally displaced people in accommodation shelters at Dongola locality. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire adapted from relevant studies. For data analysis descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were utilized using SPSS-27.

Results: 374 participated in the study with a 96.1% response rate. 70% of respondents were 18-49 years old. 70.9% of respondents were females, and 92.8% of them had no source of financial income. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases was 42.5%, with hypertension (44.7%), diabetes mellitus (24.7%), and thyroid disorders (15.2%) predominating. About 45.7% of patients interrupted their medication, and 38.6% could not access healthcare services, while 57.2% of respondents received free medical care. The study found a statistically significant association between the type of disease and age, gender, residence before displacement, and the Length of displacement.

Conclusion: 42.5% of the internally displaced suffer from non-communicable diseases, with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disorders predominating. About 45.3 and 38.6% of them respectively have interrupted their medications and lost regular follow up. The urgent need for improved healthcare services is recommended.