Capacity of Clinical Officers to Care for Patients with Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Rural Healthcare Facilities in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the ability of clinical staff in a rural Kenyan health facility to manage patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study involved 146 clinicians from 56 medical facilities who were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, simulations, and observational instruments. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. Results showed that lack of knowledge of risk factors for HTN& T2DMHTN & T2DM, inability to perform a complete physical examination, inability to identify first-line medications for either hypertension or type 2 diabetes mellitus, unavailability of assigned patient follow-up clinic day/staff/room, and lack of treatment guidelines for hypertension and diabetes were associated with an inability to manage such patients. However, concurrent prescription of anti-hypertension medication along with advice on lifestyle modification strategies was associated with an ability to do so (OR 0.079; 95% CI0.016-0.934; P=P = 0.002). The study recommends that clinical staff receive education on the risk factors, physical examination, and first-line medications for managing hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of having scheduled clinic days, assigned staff, dedicated rooms, and protocols and guidelines to improve the management of these conditions