Description
Author: Joan W Munene
Introduction: The burden of diabetes in Kiambu County requires robust surveillance systems for effective disease management and control. This study assessed performance of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) surveillance system in Kiambu County, Kenya, focusing on effectiveness, data quality and integration into health service delivery. Objectives were to evaluate existing surveillance system attributes, identify performance gaps, characterize diabetes data in time, place, person, and determine associations between body mass index, sex among diabetic patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in Ruiru and Limuru sub-counties assessed surveillance system performance using the Centers for Disease Control's updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems. Data was collected from 16 healthcare workers across eight health facilities, with review of 405 patient records from the SPICE application and Ministry of Health registers. Surveillance attributes assessed included simplicity, flexibility, acceptability, timeliness, representativeness, usefulness, and data quality.
Results: Among 405 patient evaluated, 277 patients (68.3%) were above overweight. Glycemic control worsened with increasing age 34-54 years (57%), 55 and above (64.4%). Healthcare worker assessment 15 (93.75%) revealed the system met its intended use, was representative of all disease types across both sub-counties, 14 (87.5%) achieved timely report submission,12 (75%) indicated the system was flexibles. However, 7 (43.75%) admitted to daily use, with notable missing variables in glycosylated hemoglobin entries affecting data quality. OR of 1.89(95%CI 1.18-3.03) and a p value 0.0091 on sex and body mass index.
Conclusion: Diabetes surveillance system demonstrates good representativeness and usefulness but faces challenges in acceptability and data completeness. Recommendations include integrating systems with existing electronic medical record platforms, enhancing training and system utilization and institutionalizing regular data review meetings to improve outcomes like weight and glycemic control. These measures are crucial for strengthening the system's capacity to support evidence-based decision-making and improve diabetes care in Kiambu County.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Government of Kenya |
| Position | Clinical officer - county non communicable disease cordinator |
| Received a Grant? | No |
