Abstract

FREDERICKS, Kelly J.  and  NAIDOO, Mergan. Quality of care of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a public sector district hospital. SAFP [online]. 2023, vol.65, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2078-6204.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/safp.v65i1.5713.

BACKGROUND: Globally, diabetes mellitus (DM) remains one of the leading causes of mortality, with approximately 2 million deaths in 2019, the condition also contributes significantly to adverse health conditions and costs. The study aimed to describe the quality of care (QOC) rendered to patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) seeking care at Wentworth Hospital (WWH), a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and all patients living with T2DM on treatment who had accessed care for at least 1 year were included. Data were collected through structured exit interviews, and their clinical data were extracted from their medical records. Their knowledge, attitudes and practices were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale RESULTS: The mean age (standard deviation [s.d.]) was 59 (13.0) years and most (65.3%) were female, of African (30.0%) and Indian (38.6%) descent, with two-thirds (69.4%) obtaining a secondary school education. Their mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (s.d.) was 8.6 (2.4%). Over 82% had one or more comorbidity, while 30% had at least one DM-related complication. Generally, participants were pleased with the care received, but their knowledge and practices related to their T2DM was suboptimal CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the QOC was suboptimal due to poor efficacy indicators, poor knowledge and lack of adequate lifestyle measures, despite the frequency of medical practitioner reviews CONTRIBUTIONS: This study identified gaps in QOC and will aid South African public sector policy-makers in devising quality improvement initiatives

Keywords : type 2 diabetes mellitus; quality of care; public sector; district hospital; South Africa.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )