Jerome Ateudjieu, Mbunka Muhamed Awolu, Yakum N. Martin, Bayiha Eugene Joel, Vukugah AchombwomThomas, Pierre Watcho, Zoung-Kanyi Bissek Anne-Cécile
Background:the survival of diabetic patient depends on the capacity of the health facilities to offer an adequate minimum package of healthcare. The availability of the necessary resources conditions the quality healthcare offered by a health facility. Objective: to assess the readiness of diabetes healthcare service in the health facilities in the west region of cameroon materials and methods: we carried out a cross sectional descriptive survey in the west region of cameroon targeting health facilities. These were selected by stratified random sampling from may to july 2016. An observation checklist was filled with the help of the head of the health facility to assess the readiness of diabetes healthcare service. We estimate the proportions of health facilities thathad laboratory equipment, basic equipment, diabetic medications/commodities and trained staff on diabetes management at 95% confident interval. Results: of 608 exiting health facilities in the region, 100 were selected, reached and included in the study. Of these, 91 (91% [ci±4.9%]) had glucometer, 26 (26% [ci ±8.26%]) had urine dip stick-glucose. 20 (20% [ci±3.53%]) had diabetes register, 27 (27% [c±8.47%]) of the hf had diabetes clinical guidelines and 53 (53% [ci±10.20]) had at least one oral anti diabetic drug, 49 (49% [ci±10.14%]) had insulin. Out of the 774 health personnel identified in the 100 health facilities, only 79 (10.2%) were trained on diabetes management with the majority fromthe district hospital. Conclusion: the general healthcare service readiness is inadequate for proper management of diabetes. Corrective measures should include the provision of adequate laboratory equipment, clinical guidelines and trained staff for early diagnosis and management of cases.
Key words: Diabetes healthcare, resources, diabetic patients, Africa.