Evaluation of Access to Care for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Not on Dialysis in Saint-Louis Region (SENEGAL)

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with chronic diseases, especially kidney diseases, frequently use the health care system and free dialysis policies are being implemented in many countries in Africa. This study aimed to evaluate access to care for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in northern region of Saint-Louis. Methodology: In a cross-sectional survey, we included non-dialyzed CKD patients aged ≥20 years who attended outpatient nephrology clinic at University Hospital of Saint-Louis between January 1 st and January 31 st 2018. Access to care was measured using a questionnaire that integrated dimensions such as availability, geographic and financial accessibility, convenience, acceptability, effectiveness of care and quality of information. Socio-demographic and clinical data were also collected and analyzed with Epi Info 7. Results: Among 97 surveyed patients, 90 were included (response rate of 92.8%). Patients’ mean age was 35.2 years (20 - 89 years) and 55% were male. Only 30% of patients had health coverage either by the government, or private insurance or community health insurance. Access to care was rated as globally low by 73% of participants. However, we noticed some variations according to dimensions of access. Geographical accessibility and convenience of delivered care were good for the majority of patients, while financial access and acceptability of care were considered as very limited. Bivariate analysis showed that acceptability and effectiveness of care were linked to CKD stage while the quality of patients’ information was correlated with their educational level. Furthermore, health coverage was also associated with financial accessibility of care but not with its availability. Conclusion: This study showed that access to care is poor for majority of patients with CKD in Saint-Louis. Identification of the main barriers will help define appropriate strategies to achieve universal access to quality renal care.