critical analysis of hypertension care delivered in Balaka, Machinga, Mchinji and Rumphi Health Care facilities

Mbulanje, Lucia

critical analysis of hypertension care delivered in Balaka, Machinga, Mchinji and Rumphi Health Care facilities

Date

2020-11-11

Authors

Mbulanje, Lucia

Publisher

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Abstract

Problem: Quality care services play an important role in the prevention, management and control of diseases as far as health promotion is concerned. Availability of resources and guidelines are among other things that contribute to achieve quality. However, despite adopting guidelines that promotes quality and universal access for hypertension care in Malawi, the intervention has not been formally assessed in these districts. Objectives: To explore whether and in what ways is hypertension care delivered in health care facilities consistent with WHO and Malawi guidelines for hypertension management. Specifically, this secondary review will assess health care provider’s qualification and expertise in delivering hypertension care, explore availability of guidelines for the management of hypertension at health facilities, explore the availability of the infrastructure and equipment essential for diagnosing and managing hypertension, explore the availability of drugs for the treatment of hypertension and compare the service delivered with what is stipulated in the guidelines. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study utilizing data from the Malawi Longitudinal Study for Families and Health (MLSFH). This secondary review will look into MLSFH data from 4 districts namely Machinga, Balaka, Mchinji and Rumphi. Data was collected from Health Facility managers of the facilities using interviews guided by a structured questionnaire. Data will be analyzed using STATA version 14 and descriptive statistics will be applied to summarize frequencies and proportions. Expected findings: The study will provide information on the extent the health care system is responding to hypertension management in Malawi. Dissemination: Research findings will be disseminated to COMREC, Rumphi, Mchinji and Balaka district health offices. Further manuscripts will be prepared for submission to appropriate journals.