Perceptions on hypertension, barriers and facilitators on non-communicable disease prevention in urban Shivamogga: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The world’s health care needs are changing drastically due to significant population and demographic impact. The socioeconomic transition in India have influenced the health risk behaviour leading to the increasing burden of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Primary care facilities play a vital role in preventing and controlling NCDs. Objectives were to assess the perceptions of healthy lifestyle behaviours among urban migrants of south India. To qualitatively assess the facilitators and barriers of NCD prevention. Methods: Study was conducted in urban Shivamogga from May to August 2023 using non-purposive sampling technique. It was a qualitative study design-focus group discussion (FGD). It involves two FGD of 8 members each. One FGD is from urban school and other FGD is from nationalized bank. This study aimed at providing grounded approach to develop an understanding about the perceptions of hypertension (HTN) and facilitators/barriers in obtaining treatment of the same. The data was subjected to brief reading and analysed by segregating the text under different themes. Responses were recorded by audio-taping and translated into codes. The results were obtained after drawing inferences. Results: Mean age of study participants was 38.8±3.8 years (FGD1) and 36.8±2.6 years (FGD2). They identified stress, nuclear family, physical inactivity, dietary habits and urban living as the causes of hypertension. They perceived that illiteracy, ignorance, work-pressure, time-constraints, home-remedies could be the barriers for seeking treatment of hypertension. Conclusions: Hypertension has been perceived as a common and serious problem in our community. There was a felt need about awareness campaign and screening of HTN that may help in implementation of prevention and control activities.