Abstract:
Background: The impact on the Sri Lankan population from the economic crisis occurred over
past three years warrants significant attention. The management strategies associated with chronic
disease conditions, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), are subject to change based on individuals’
experiences during economic transformations.
Objectives: To assess the impact of the past three-year economic crisis on self-care practices,
care-seeking behaviour, and healthcare expenditure among Type 2 DM patients at primary care
institutions in Southern Sri Lanka
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in five primary care institutions
(Ahangama, Baddegama, Hikkaduwa, Rathgama and Unawatuna) in the Galle district of Southern
Sri Lanka recruiting 425 participants using a convenient sampling technique. A self-developed,
pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.
Results: The majority of the study sample consisted of female individuals (79%) aged between
51-65 years (46%), who had been diagnosed with Type 2 DM for a duration of less than five years
(41%). The economic crisis had a substantial influence on self-care practices, particularly on
recommended dietary habits (76%), with females experiencing a notable impact than males (p=
0.027). Furthermore, the economic crisis had an impact on blood glucose testing (24%) and
adherence to prescribed medications (22%). However, the crisis did not exert a significant effect
on healthcare-seeking behaviour. The cost spend by the individuals for medication was decreased
(p<0.001), and blood tests was increased (p<0.001) significantly after the economic crisis.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the profound consequences of the economic crisis on DM
patients’ ability to adhere to self-care practices and healthcare expenditure. However, the study
establishes a baseline, and further research is needed to fully understand the burden of this issue.
