Assessment of the Care Status of Patients with Diabetes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study in Yazd, Iran

Mahdi Zare  Sakhvidi; Moslem Taheri  Soodejani; Mohammad Reza  Sadeghian; Mohsen  Mirzaei; Hossein  Akhondi

doi:10.18502/ijre.v21i1.19491

Mahdi Zare Sakhvidi Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Moslem Taheri Soodejani Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Mohammad Reza Sadeghian Department of Health in Disaster and Emergencies, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
Mohsen Mirzaei Health Monitoring Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Hossein Akhondi Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijre.v21i1.19491

Keywords: Diabetes, Healthcare quality, HbA1c, Risk factors, Specialist referrals

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic metabolic diseases worldwide, and it requires comprehensive healthcare management. This cross-sectional descriptive study aims to evaluate the healthcare status of diabetic patients in Yazd, Iran, and identify gaps in provided care.

Methods: In this study, 702 diabetic patients registered in the Ministry of Integrated Health System were selected using cluster sampling. To identify care gaps, key indicators, including the frequency of HbA1c testing, referrals to specialists, number of visits to healthcare centers, receipt of diabetes education, and level of blood sugar control, were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) using SPSS software and compared with international standards.

Results: The results of this study indicated that the quality of diabetes care in Yazd was below optimal standards. Only 63.7% of patients underwent hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing, and 42.3% achieved optimal blood sugar control. Additionally, 31.2% of patients had elevated systolic blood pressure, and 12% had high diastolic blood pressure. Fewer than half of the patients were referred to specialists. A sedentary lifestyle was reported in 87.7% of cases, and 79.5% were found to be overweight or obese.

Conclusion: Based on the results, there are significant gaps in healthcare quality for diabetic patients in Yazd, including insufficient specialist referrals, lack of regular lab monitoring, and inadequate lifestyle interventions. Enhancing educational programs, regular specialist consultations, and comprehensive care approaches are essential to improving outcomes.