An Assessment of the cost of diabetes disease among patients attending a level four facility in Nyeri Town Sub- County
Date
2019
Authors
Githua, Lucy Wamuyu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Diabetes is a life- long illness that requires close monitoring. The increasing cost of care could hinder access to quality care consequently leading to high morbidity, mortality and productive losses. The main objective of this study was to estimate the cost of illness of diabetes for patients receiving medical care at Mt. Kenya Sub County Hospital, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the direct healthcare and non- healthcare cost of diabetes and their impact on health and economic well- being on diabetic patients in a level four facility in Nyeri County. The study employed a descriptive design. The total direct healthcare costs were estimated to be Kshs. 13,261 per month while total direct non- healthcare costs were estimated to be Kshs. 3,088 per month, against an average monthly income of Kshs.
6,498. Due to the high cost of care in relation to income, patients developed coping mechanisms such as non- compliance to the recommended lifestyle and consequently were at risk of adverse health outcomes. The results of the study will be useful for the hospital administration to ensure comprehensive health promotive and preventive education on diabetes to patients. For patients and their families, the results of the study may be used to lobby for better home based care, fidelity to treatment and a health- promotive regimen and reconsideration of options for payment of health services. Finally, for policy makers the results of the study offer an opportunity to revisit and strengthen policies on diabetes prevention, and financing for non - communicable diseases in general and diabetes in particular.
Description
A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Masters of Business Administration at Strathmore University Business School
Keywords
Diabetes, Patients, Level four facility_Nyeri Town Sub- County