Appraisal of Beneficiaries’ Perspective on Opportunities and Barriers of NCD Clinics in a Coastal District of Kerala

Abstract

Background: Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the main causes of morbidity andmortality in many developing countries. In India, NCD Clinics are set up by the guidelines of NationalProgramme for Control of Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke (NPCDCS) for thecontrol, prevention and treatment of NCDs. Govt of Kerala introduced the NCD clinics to compact thedisease burden of the state in 2010 through the National Health Mission.Objective: To appraise the beneficiaries’ perspective on opportunities and barriers of NCD Clinics inAlappuzha district.Methods: It was a qualitative study conducted over a period of 6 weeks among the people in the agegroup of 30 years and above residing in Ambalappuzha taluk. 28 in-depth interviews and 18 focus groupdiscussions were conducted and the reviews of records in the primary health centres using a questionnairewere done. Thematic analysis of observations and percentage estimation of service indicators were done.Result: The study revealed a cluster of four themes such as awareness about the services, availability,accessibility, acceptability of services and Satisfaction about the services. Although there is receptivenessto the services, barriers to mainstreaming also exist which persuade them not to utilise these services. In allPHCs the indicators for screening for NCDs are less than 80%. Screening services should be strengthenedmore. So, the need to revamp the structure and systems to enhance the utilisation of the services of NCDClinics is highlighted.