DOI: 10.5176/2251-3833_GHC18.126
Authors: Joan C. Chang
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease constitutes a significant proportion of the burden of disease in India, and rural rates are rising. While many studies focus on urban health, research on rural health is lesser-known. The Tribal Health Initiative (THI) in Tamil Nadu, India, screens rural villagers for cardiovascular disease and implements a hypertension treatment program. This qualitative research study investigates perceptions of cardiovascular health care and its barriers and facilitators in this population, to inform interventions in rural India. Eighteen study participants were recruited from among THI patients between May and June 2017. Sample and control groups were randomly chosen from among THI patients enrolled and not enrolled in the hypertension program, respectively. Results from semi-structured interviews indicated that most participants had not heard of cardiovascular disease. Enrolled participants showed greater knowledge of risk and prevention strategies. Approximately half of participants had visited THI for reasons related to cardiovascular disease. Most participants spoke highly of the quality of care received. Barriers included travel cost and distance to THI and facilitators included more comprehensive care facilities. Overall, participants demonstrated limited knowledge of cardiovascular disease, but hypertension program enrollees showed greater awareness of risk and prevention. Further research is needed to examine these findings.
Keywords: cardiovascular disease; hypertension; India; risk and prevention; rural health care
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