SynthesisBMC health services research2026
Barriers and facilitators to integrating non-communicable disease care within primary healthcare systems in low-resource countries: a systematic review.
Synthesis in BMC health services research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting low-resource countries. Integrating NCD care into primary healthcare (PHC) systems through a systems approach is critical for achieving universal health coverage. However, the barriers and facilitators to this integration in low-resource countries remain inadequately understood.
objectivesThis systematic review explores the barriers and facilitators to integrating NCD care within PHC systems in low-resource countries, providing actionable insights to strengthen health systems and improve NCD care delivery.
methodsA systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted searching six databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane Library, complemented by grey literature searches. Studies published from 2016 onward that examined the integration of NCD care into PHC systems using a systems approach were included. Data were synthesized thematically, and the quality of studies was assessed using established appraisal tools.
resultsA total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Key barriers included insufficient healthcare workforce capacity, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential medicines, and fragmented governance. Patient-related challenges, such as low awareness and cultural barriers, further impeded integration. Facilitators included task shifting to community health workers, strong policy frameworks, financial incentives, health information systems and community engagement.
conclusionsIntegrating NCD services into PHC systems in low-resource settings necessitates a comprehensive systems approach that addresses structural and contextual barriers while leveraging existing facilitators. Policy and programmatic efforts should focus on workforce training, infrastructure development, governance strengthening, and community-centered strategies. These findings provide a roadmap for advancing health system strengthening and achieving equitable NCD care delivery in low-resource settings.
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Registered trials
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