Noncommunicable Diseases Healthcare-Specific Service Readiness at the Primary Health-care Centers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have been highlighted as a major challenge for sustainable development and an alarming public health challenge of global concern. This study was aimed at assessing the PHC facilities' readiness to provide NCDs management services in Ekiti state, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among PHCs in Ekiti state between August and October 2020 in 177 PHC facilities using some components of the World Health Organization's Service Availability and Readiness Assessment tool. Analysis was done using STATA SE 12. Statistical significance was set at a P < 0.05. Results: Majority (95%) of the primary health-care facilities were located in rural areas. Approximately 19% were in Ekiti North II and Ekiti Central II constituencies, and the majority (95%) were health centers. Only 29.4% offer management of NCDs. Among the spacers for inhalers available in 1.7% of the facilities, none were functioning and only 1.4% had equipment for NCD management and control, and 6% had trained staff and guidelines for NCD management. NCD-specific service readiness index was just 11% among the health care, facilities studied. Health-care facilities in the urban areas and the Ekiti North I had statistically significant higher NCD service readiness compared to the rural areas and the other federal constituencies, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The overall NCD-specific service readiness in Ekiti State was extremely low. The government should provide sufficient tools and equipment with trained workers that will offer adequate management of NCDs in the state.