Stakeholders’ perspectives on barriers and enablers of chronic kidney disease care in Ethiopia: A qualitative study

TL;DR

This study explores the challenges and solutions for chronic kidney disease care in Ethiopia from healthcare providers' and stakeholders' perspectives.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into barriers and enablers of CKD care in Ethiopia using stakeholder perspectives and the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Findings

Key barriers include low awareness, limited resources, and high out-of-pocket costs.

Facilitators include guideline adherence and integration into national NCD strategies.

Strengthening workforce capacity and referral systems is recommended to improve CKD care.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem in Ethiopia. However, evidence on the health system and contextual factors influencing CKD care remains limited. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to CKD care from the perspectives of healthcare providers and other stakeholders.

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using purposive and maximum variation sampling to recruit healthcare providers (including general practitioners, nephrologists/internists, nurse) and non-communicable disease (NCD) officers and program coordinators. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed, underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework version 2.

Fifteen participants (six general practitioners, five nephrologists/internists, one nurse, and three NCD program officers and coordinators) were included. About 40% of participants had over six years’ experience. Key barriers to CKD care included patient misconceptions, low patient and healthcare provider awareness, shortage of health workforce, knowledge gaps among junior healthcare providers, limited resources, high out-of-pocket costs, absence of registries for CKD, weak referral systems, inconsistent access to medicines and diagnostics, lack of structured training, and conflict-related disruptions. Facilitators included adherence to guidelines by senior staff, inclusion of CKD into national non-communicable disease strategies, and increased use of media for public health education.

Addressing key barriers and enhancing prioritisation of CKD by clinicians and policymakers is critical. Strengthening workforce capacity, awareness, referral systems, and integration into national strategies offers opportunities to improve CKD care.

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