Healthcare Access and Glycemic control: Utilization Patterns among Diabetic Patients at Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital, Kericho, Kenya

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing regions such as Kenya, where poor glycemic control remains highly prevalent. This study aimed to investigate healthcare access and utilization patterns in relation to glycemic control among diabetic patients at Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital, Kericho County, Kenya. Despite advancements in diabetes management, many patients struggle to maintain optimal blood glucose levels, increasing their risk of severe complications. A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires and medical record reviews to evaluate socio-demographic, anthropometric, and clinical characteristics. The study sampled 300 adult patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data, summarized using frequencies and percentages. The study was conducted over four months, covering ethical approvals, participant recruitment, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings. Ethical considerations were rigorously followed, ensuring patient confidentiality, informed consent, and compliance with ethical standards. The study achieved an 83.3% response rate. The findings revealed that while 81.2% of participants had access to diabetes clinics, only 58.4% adhered to regular follow-ups, with cost cited as a barrier by 46.0% despite 72.8% having health insurance coverage (predominantly NHIF at 66.4%), indicating that insurance alone does not fully mitigate financial burdens such as transportation, dietary needs, and medication expenses. The low adherence to follow-ups underscores the necessity for improved Diabetes Mellitus (DM) presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing regions such as Kenya, where poor glycemic control remains highly prevalent. This study aimed to investigate healthcare access and utilization patterns in relation to glycemic control among diabetic patients at Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital, Kericho County, Kenya. Despite advancements in diabetes management, many patients struggle to maintain optimal blood glucose levels, increasing their risk of severe complications. A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires and medical record reviews to evaluate socio-demographic, anthropometric, and clinical characteristics. The study sampled 300 adult patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data, summarized using frequencies and percentages. The study was conducted over four months, covering ethical approvals, participant recruitment, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings. Ethical considerations were rigorously followed, ensuring patient confidentiality, informed consent, and compliance with ethical standards. The study achieved an 83.3% response rate. The findings revealed that while 81.2% of participants had access to diabetes clinics, only 58.4% adhered to regular follow-ups, with cost cited as a barrier by 46.0% despite 72.8% having health insurance coverage (predominantly NHIF at 66.4%), indicating that insurance alone does not fully mitigate financial burdens such as transportation, dietary needs, and medication expenses. The low adherence to follow-ups underscores the necessity for improved patient education, support systems, and telemedicine integration to address logistical challenges and ensure continuous engagement in monitoring disease progression and treatment adjustments. The study provides valuable insights into the determinants influencing glycemic control among diabetic patients at Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including enhanced patient education, financial support mechanisms, and adherence-focused diabetes management strategies to improve health outcomes in this population.