236 Community engagement in chronic disease research with displaced populations in Uganda
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Date
2025-12-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
Background
Hypertension and type 2 diabetes are growing health concerns among forcibly displaced persons (FDPs). In Uganda, continuity of care is disrupted by mobility, limited resources, and fragmented services. This study explored factors influencing continuity and discontinuity of care for FDPs with these conditions in Northern Uganda.
Methods
The study was conducted in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement (Yumbe District) and Nyumanzi Settlement and Reception Centre (Adjumani District) using a community-based participatory design. Four trained peer researchers (two male, two female), Village Health Teams (VHTs), and health facility staff collaborated in data collection. Methods included surveys, point-of-care testing, interviews, and focus group discussions. An advisory board of district health authorities, humanitarian actors, and community representatives guided recruitment, tool adaptation, and referral pathways.
Results
Community engagement enhanced trust and facilitated culturally relevant tools and participant recruitment. VHTs, following hands-on training, successfully conducted point-of-care testing and data collection. Peer researchers contributed insider perspectives, offering deeper insights into the effects of mobility on care disruption. Key challenges included limited geographic coverage due to financial constraints, language barriers affecting data quality, and the need for extensive training and supervision.
Conclusions
Participatory approaches involving peer researchers and VHTs are feasible and valuable for chronic disease research in humanitarian settings. However, future studies should invest in sustainable capacity building, language mediation, and adequate resources to strengthen data quality and impact. Findings highlight the importance of embedding community engagement in non-communicable disease (NCD) research and practice to improve continuity of care among displaced populations.
Description
This paper explores the impact of digital health interventions on adolescent well-being in Europe, focusing on mental health support through mobile applications and online platforms. It emphasizes the role of technology in improving access to care, reducing stigma, and promoting preventive health strategies. The study supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by addressing mental health challenges and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through digital health innovation. While region-specific, its insights align with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV aspirations for health sector digitization and ICT integration, fostering inclusive, technology-driven healthcare systems for sustainable development.
Keywords
Continuity of care, Hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, Refugee health, Uganda, Community engagement
Citation
Dricile, R., Gyawali, B., Dræbel, T. A., Nakanjako, R., Nanfuka, E., & Skovdal, M. (2025). 236; Community engagement in chronic disease research with displaced populations in Uganda. European Journal of Public Health, 35(Supplement_6).