Barriers and facilitators in the acquisition of diabetes knowledge among tertiary-care nurses in central and southern Malawi: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study

Abstract

Background Numerous studies report low diabetes knowledge among nurses in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about the factors that hinder and promote their acquisition of diabetes knowledge. Understanding these factors is a pivotal step towards ensuring that nurses are knowledgeable and competent in the provision of care and education for patients with diabetes. Methods The study employed an exploratory-descriptive qualitative (EDQ) approach. Participants were identified from two tertiary hospitals. Twenty-six participants were purposively selected from these facilities. Data were collected through focus group discussions and analysis was done using Braun and Clarke’s approach to thematic analysis. Results The following themes relating to barriers and facilitators in the nurses’ acquisition of diabetes knowledge emerged from the study: (a) individual factors; (b) organizational factors; and (c) innovative suggestions for improving the nurses’ diabetes knowledge. Conclusions The study brings to light various challenges and opportunities in the acquisition of diabetes knowledge among tertiary-care nurses in Malawi. Addressing the barriers to the acquisition of diabetes knowledge among nurses using cost-effective measures is a crucial step towards ensuring that nurses are knowledgeable and competent in the provision of care for patients with diabetes in low-resource countries.