Staff Capacity and Management of Diabetic Patients at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in the Urban District of Unguja, Zanzibar

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) stand as a formidable global public health challenge, casting a shadow over populations and contributing significantly to global mortality rates. Among the primary culprits in this health crisis are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer. This study zeroes in on a critical facet of this challenge - the staff capacity and management of diabetic patients at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in the Urban District of Unguja, Zanzibar. The urgency of this research is accentuated by the staggering statistic that approximately 415 million people worldwide are grappling with diabetes, catapulting it into the forefront of global health emergencies in the twenty-first century. In response to this pressing need, 205 questionnaires were distributed among diabetes health workers at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, creating a comprehensive foundation for analysis. Employing statistical techniques with SPSS version 26, the study sought to unravel the intricate landscape of staff knowledge and the challenges faced in managing diabetic patients. The findings of the study paint a nuanced picture, revealing that 38.6% of the staff possessed specialized knowledge in managing diabetic patients, while 61.4% had general knowledge. Alarmingly, only 36.3% of diabetic health workers were available for the management of diabetic patients. The study sheds light on the multifaceted challenges faced by the staff, with issues related to equipment, drugs, support from relatives, psychotherapy treatment, and drug adherence and compliance all surfacing as significant concerns, reported by varying percentages. In the face of these challenges, the study underscores a compelling message: the critical importance of hospital management in recruiting staff with expertise in diabetic treatment and care. This strategic hiring approach is seen as a linchpin for ensuring the efficient and effective management of diabetic patients. Moreover, the study advocates for ensuring the availability of adequate equipment, medical supplies, and materials essential for investigating diabetes and its complications, such as diabetic foot, renal failure, and cardiovascular diseases. This comprehensive approach is deemed crucial for providing holistic care to patients grappling with the complexities of diabetes.