Reports from the regions: Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension distribution and effect of mini clinics, 1998-1999

At 15 primary health care centers (PHCCs) in one sector of Riyadh, we conducted a study to identify the distribution of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT) and the effect of mini clinics on the proper management of patients. The data were collected from files in the chronic disease clinic over a 2-year period (1998 to 1999).

In this period, the prevalence rate per 100,000 for DM and HT increased from2.06 to 2.3 and 1.25 to 1.34 respectively. Comparing the results of DM and HT over the 2 years, we found a positive effect of mini clinics on the quality of care for the patients (Table 1).

We need to strengthen the role of mini clinics to provide the high quality of care given to the patients in the PHCCs. We also need to adopt effective follow-up programs and health education.