Enhancing Diabetes Care Services in Tanzania's Primary Health Facili ties: Evaluating the Impact of Healthcare Worker Training
Abstract:
Background: Over 70% of Tanzania’s population seeks healthcare services at primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. The growing burden of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) necessitates strengthening PHC ca pacity. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Tanzania Diabetes Association, trained healthcare workers from 708 public health centres nationwide to improve screening, diagnosis, and management of diabetes.
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of healthcare worker training in strengthening diabetes care services within primary healthcare settings in Tanzania.
Methods: A pre- and post-intervention evaluation was conducted in 68 health facilities selected through stratified random sampling. Baseline assessments were conducted prior to training and follow-up evaluations one year lat er. Descriptive statistics were used to compare facility readiness indicators between baseline and follow-up using STATA version 15.
Results: Facilities with operational NCD clinics increased from 25% to 35.3%. Availability of NCD education materials improved from 23% to 70.6%, while essential screening and diagnostic equipment increased from 37% to 88.2%. Patient satisfaction with NCD services reached 90% at follow-up.
Conclusion: Healthcare worker training significantly improved diabetes service readiness and patient satisfaction at the PHC level. Sustainable financing mechanisms for NCD medications remain essential to maintain gains.
