Factors that Influenced Clinic Utilization by Diabetes Mellitus Type II patients during COVID-19 Pandemic at The Kakamega County General Hospital
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Abstract
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has an estimated global disease burden of 85- 89%, a prevalence rate of 5.3% in Kenya, and an increased mortality hazard. While sounding an alert at the onset of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the World Health Organization (WHO) noted the greater risk of COVID-19 deaths in older individuals and those with chronic diseases like DM. This study examined the influence of exposure variables such as patient characteristics, disease complexity, facility-related factors, and COVID-19 restrictions on utilization of diabetes mellitus type II (DM II) clinics during the Covid-19 pandemic at Kakamega County General Hospital (KCGH). The study employed cross sectional survey research design. A sample size of 211 randomly sampled DM II patients and 6 health care workers purposively sampled for Focused Group Discussion (FGD) was obtained from a target population of 467 DM II patients attending diabetes clinic at KCGH, and 12 healthcare workers. Data was collected using structured questionnaire for the DM II patients, and an interview guide for FGD. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, while descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Findings revealed a significant association of p<0.05 between 6 out of 10 exposure variables investigated and the outcome variable. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the highest odds ratio of 2.0 for medication availability and lowest odds ratio of 0.3 for lack of family support. The study recommends that KCGH, superintendent, in consultation with healthcare workers in charge of the diabetes clinic and the county department of health develops a strategy to implement telemedicine adaptation policies and surveillance to reduce in person clinic visits. In addition, KCGH superintendent should collaborate with the national health ministry to establish a resilient medical supply policy for pandemics.
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