293 Mobility, food access and continuity of care for diabetes among forcibly displaced persons in Adjumani District, Uganda - Abstract

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Cart

Forcibly displaced persons experience a high burden of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, yet food access becomes difficult in emergency contexts. This study examines how mobility shapes food availability and continuity of diabetes care for Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees across phases of displacement in Adjumani District, Uganda. Using photovoice and in-depth interviews with displaced people and key informant interviews with stakeholders, it identifies distinct adherence barriers during transit, at reception, and after settlement. Findings show diabetes care requires sustained dietary adjustment and special continuity measures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

vi22 European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 35, Supplement 6, 2025 Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.063 293 Mobility, food access and continuity of care for diabetes among forcibly displaced persons in Adjumani District, Uganda Rita Nakanjako1, Esther Nanfuka1, Susan Whyte2, Tania Dræbel2, Dricile Ratib3, Bishal Gyawali2, Ib Bygbjerg2, Emmanuel Raju2, Morten Skovdal2, David Kyaddondo1 1Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda 2University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark 3Muni University, Arua, Uganda OP 2: Determinants of Health Disease and Interventions 4, B210 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 14:30-15:30 Background: Forcibly displaced Persons (FDPs) have a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes. While a healthy diet is a core component in the control and management of diabetes, access to food is complicated in emergency settings. Few studies focus on the intersection between mobility and food access by FDPs with diabetes at various stages of forced displacement, particularly in the Global South. Aim: This paper examines how mobility affects food access and continuity of care for Sudanese and South Sudanese FDPs with diabetes during flight, on arrival, and after settlement in the host country. Methods: It draws on data from photovoice and in-depth interviews with 30 refugees and asylum seekers in Nyumanzi Reception Centre and Settlement, as well as 10key informant interviews with stakeholders in Adjumani District, Northern Uganda. Data collection took a community based participatory approach involving refugees as peer researchers. Results: We found that adherence to dietary recommendations is constrained by various challenges at different points. During transit, FDPs prioritize survival, not managing the illness. On arrival at the reception centre, adherence to dietary recommendations is difficult because FDPs have limited choice regarding the composition and timing of meals. In the settlement, FDPs suffer food insecurity due to reduced and/or discontinued food rations, insufficient land for cultivation, and poverty due to limited economic opportunities. Conclusion: Forced displacement complicates adherence to dietary requirements for diabetic patients at different phases of their migration journey. Proper diabetes care requires continuing dietary 2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi23 adjustment; lack thereof increases the vulnerability of these FDPs. This calls for special considerations for FDPs living with diabetes if continuity of care is to be attained. 1 1 1 1 , , , , 1 2 1 1 , , , Unisanté, Lausanne, Switzerland Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland

FAQs

How does mobility affect food access and diabetes care across displacement phases?

Mobility changes what displaced persons can access and control. During transit, survival priorities limit illness management; at arrival, limited meal composition and timing restrict adherence; after settlement, reduced or discontinued rations, land shortages, and poverty drive food insecurity.

What methods were used to gather the study evidence?

The study used photovoice and in-depth interviews with 30 refugees and asylum seekers, plus 10 key informant interviews with stakeholders in Adjumani District. Data collection followed a community-based participatory approach where refugees served as peer researchers.

Why is continuity of diabetes care challenging for forcibly displaced persons?

Continuity is complicated by the inability to sustain appropriate dietary requirements during different stages of migration. Without ongoing dietary adjustment and supportive continuity arrangements, vulnerability increases for people living with diabetes.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Cart