Journal Article > Research

Access to care for non-communicable diseases in Mosul, Iraq between 2014 and 2017: A rapid qualitative study

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Abstract
During June 2014 to April 2017, the population of Mosul, Iraq lived in a state of increasing isolation from the rest of Iraq due to the city's occupation by the Islamic State group. As part of a study to develop a generalisable method for estimating the excess burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in conflict-affected settings, in April-May 2017 we conducted a brief qualitative study of self-reported care for NCDs among 15 adult patients who had fled Mosul and presented to Médecins Sans Frontières clinics in the Kurdistan region with hypertension and/or diabetes. Participants reported consistent barriers to NCD care during the so-called Islamic State period, including drug shortages, insecurity and inability to afford privately sold medication. Coping strategies included drug rationing. By 2016, all patients had completely or partially lost access to care. Though limited, this study suggests a profound effect of the conflict on NCD burden.
Countries
Published Date
29-Dec-2018
PubMed ID
30619506
Languages
English
Volume / Issue / Pages
Volume 12, Issue 1, Pages 48
Issue Date
01-Dec-2018
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