Early detection, care and control of hypertension and diabetes in South Africa: A community-based approach
Afr. j. prim. health care fam. med. (Online)
;
12(1): 1-9, 2020. ilus
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1257696
ABSTRACT
Background:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health concern with raised blood pressure and glucose emerging as leading causes of death and disability.Aim:
This community-based demonstration project using community caregivers (CCGs) trained in screening for hypertension and diabetes aimed at improving early detection and linkage to care and management.Setting:
The project was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal province.Methods:
The CCGs were trained in NCD-related health education, promotion and screening for hypertension and diabetes using an accredited programme. The CCGs screened community members for hypertension and diabetes using three screeningmethods:
door-to-door visits, community campaigns and workplaces.Results:
Twenty-five CCGs received the accredited NCD training. A total of 10 832 community members were screened for hypertension and 6481 had their blood glucose measured. Of those screened, 29.7% and 4.4%, respectively, had raised blood pressure (⥠140/90 mmHg) and blood glucose (⥠11.0 mmol/L) who required referral to a primary healthcare facility. More than one in five (21.0%, n = 1448), of those with no previous hypertension diagnosis, were found to have raised blood pressure at screening, representing newly detected cases. Less than a third (28.5%) of patients referred to the facilities for raised blood pressure actually presented themselves for a facility assessment, of which 71.8% had their hypertension diagnosis confirmed and were advised to continue, adjust or initiate treatment. Similarly, 29.1% of patients referred to the facilities for raised blood glucose presented themselves at the facility, of which 71.4% received a confirmatory diabetes diagnosis.Conclusion:
Community caregivers played an important role in early detection of raised blood pressure and raised blood glucose, and in referring patients to primary care
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Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
South Africa
/
Community Health Workers
/
Diabetes Mellitus
/
Noncommunicable Diseases
/
Hypertension
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Screening study
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. j. prim. health care fam. med. (Online)
Year:
2020
Type:
Article
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