Digital and Integrated Reproductive Health Support for Diabetes Management among Women of Childbearing Age in Chipata, Eastern Province, Zambia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Résumé fourni par la source

Diabetes mellitus among women of childbearing age is a growing public health concern that requires integrated clinical, reproductive, and technological interventions. In many low-resource settings, diabetes care and reproductive health services remain fragmented, limiting access to comprehensive support for glucose monitoring, medication adherence, pregnancy planning, contraception counselling, and healthy lifestyle practices. This study assessed the role of digital and integrated reproductive health support in diabetes management among women of childbearing age in Chipata District, Eastern Province, Zambia. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 women aged 18–49 years with diagnosed diabetes attending selected health facilities. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes self-management, reproductive health support, access to digital health technologies, and perceptions of integrated healthcare services. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed using SPSS version 26. The findings showed that 82% of participants owned mobile phones, 65% had access to internet-enabled devices, and 85% expressed willingness to use digital platforms for diabetes education and reproductive health support. However, only 42% reported receiving integrated reproductive health counselling during diabetes clinic visits. Digital health utilization was significantly associated with improved diabetes self-management practices (χ² = 8.47, p = 0.014). The study concludes that digital health interventions and integrated reproductive healthcare can enhance diabetes self-management among women of childbearing age. Strengthening digital literacy, expanding mobile health interventions, and integrating reproductive health services into diabetes care are recommended to improve health outcomes in Zambia and similar resource-constrained settings

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