Abstract:
Due to the epidemiological transition that is taking place all over the world, High blood pressure
(HTA) and Diabetes mellitus (DM) have been a great burden for developing countries, which are
visibly facing infectious diseases for various reasons. Mozambique is not far from this experience,
with prevalence of HTA and DM reaching 39% and 7.4% respectively.
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the degree of preparedness of primary health care
in the management of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in Maputo City.
A quantitative approach was carried out in 15 health centres in Maputo city, where questionnaires
were used to collect data on the management of the two pathologies and the availability of
medication. Data were collected from the clinical processes used in the appointment and the
number of patients present at the scheduled clinical appointment was counted.
In total, 45 questionnaires were completed, and 260 clinical files were reviewed, from which 123
were for DM and 137 for HTA. 98% of clinical files had an evaluation date, 88% had the BP
evaluated, of this universe 46% was not controlled. Glycemia was measured in 39,8%(49) of
patients with DM, of which 59% was uncontrolled. In 100% of the Primary Health Care (PHCs)
facilities there was no obese cuff, 88% of the PHCs had functioning sphygmomanometers in the
consultation and only 13% had a glucometer and 73% of the PHCs had access to a blood glucose
processing laboratory. Medications for the control of hypertension and DM in general were not
available in almost 50% of the PHCs facilities. 93% of health professionals reported that there was
no refresher training and only 20% had participated in some HTA and DM training.
There is a need to strengthen primary health care services with special attention to improving
fundamental points for the clinical and medication management of hypertension and DM
