This study explores the impact of health insurance on retention in diabetes and hypertension care in Tanzania. Analyzing data from 1716 participants across fifteen health facilities, researchers found no significant difference in retention rates between insured and uninsured patients. However, certain factors such as age, medical diagnosis, morbidity, and type of health facility attended were associated with retention in care. Middle-aged or senior-aged adults, individuals with diabetes or hypertension alone, and those attending health centres or hospitals demonstrated higher retention rates.
These findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing retention in chronic disease care and suggest that while health insurance may not be the sole determinant, understanding these factors can inform targeted interventions to improve patient engagement and health outcomes in low-resource settings like Tanzania.