Abstract: Surgical conditions constitute a major global health burden, accounting for nearly 30% of the global disease burden, while more than 5 billion people lack access to safe and affordable surgical care. This study assessed the magnitude and factors associated with delays in accessing elective surgical care among adult postoperative patients at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali (CHUK), Rwanda. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed among 385 postoperative patients selected through stratified proportional random sampling from General Surgery, Urology, Neurosurgery, and Orthopedic wards. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics and delay patterns, while multiple regression analysis identified factors associated with delays. Statistical significance was determined at a 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05. Among participants, 58.4% were male, 61.6% were aged 41 years and above, 57.9% belonged to Ubudehe category 2, 40.3% resided in Kigali City, and 90.6% were covered by MUSA insurance. General Surgery represented the largest specialty group (32.9%). Delay 1 (seeking care) was most commonly greater than 120 days, Delay 2 (reaching healthcare facilities) was generally 30 days or less, while Delay 3 (receiving surgical treatment) was predominantly between 31 and 120 days. For Delay 1, older age was significantly associated with longer delays in seeking care, with participants aged ≥41 years experiencing increased delays compared with younger individuals (β=1.41, p<0.001). Unemployment (β=0.66, p=0.033) and lack of marital support (β=0.40, p=0.036) were also associated with prolonged delays. For Delay 2, access-related barriers were the primary determinants. Compared with financial barriers, distance, transport, and other reasons were associated with shorter delays (β=−1.45, p<0.001; β=−0.86, p=0.041; β=−1.41, p<0.001, respectively), while multiple barriers showed a borderline increase (β=0.30, p=0.066). Reporting other reasons for not seeking treatment was associated with longer delays than poor recognition of illness severity (β=0.43, p=0.007), whereas private or ambulance transport reduced delays compared with public transport (β=−0.61, p<0.001). Delay 3 was mainly driven by long waiting lists (34.1%) and limited operating theatre capacity (32.9%). Overall, delays were influenced by socioeconomic vulnerability, access barriers, and health system constraints, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve timely surgical care.
Keywords: Elective Surgery, Factors, Adult, Postoperative, Patients, CHUK, Rwanda.
Title: Delayed Elective Surgery and Factors Associated Among Adult Postoperative in Patients at Centre Hospitaliere Universitaire De Kigali, Rwanda
Author: Uwayesu Roda, Dr. Fisseha Berehe
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 385-397
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 30-June-2026
