Treatment seeking behaviour and control status of selected parameters among non-communicable disease patients

Authors

  • Jayakrishnan Thayyil Department of Community Medicine, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
  • Karthika Rejani Department of Community Medicine, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
  • Nivya Noonjiyil Kaithery Department of Community Medicine, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
  • Sruthikrishna Punathukandi Department of Community Medicine, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
  • Durgesh Kumar Kannamvayal Department of Community Medicine, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
  • Sujesh Palakkunnath Department of Community Medicine, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250326

Keywords:

Diabetes, Hypertension, Medication adherence, Non-communicable diseases, Treatment seeking behaviour

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a growing health burden worldwide, particularly in India, where access to healthcare is limited. These chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, require continuous management to prevent complications. This study explores the treatment seeking patterns and current health control status of NCD patients in a rural setting, aiming to identify gaps in healthcare utilization and areas for improvement. To assess treatment seeking behaviour and to determine the control status of selected parameters among NCD patients.

Methods: This is a community based cross-sectional study conducted among individuals residing in   Chathamangalam Grama Panchayat of Kozhikode district in Kerala, India. A total of 120 sample participants, aged 35 and above, were selected from the NCD register regarding their diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD) and other NCDs. The study collected demographic, behavioural and clinical data, including laboratory results and the treatment adherence status to identify barriers to effective disease management. The data was collected by direct interview using a pretested semi structured questionnaire.

Results: Among 120 NCD patients, about 80% of the hypertensives and 78% of the diabetics were under control. Majority of the patients (60%) were having medical insurance and about 43% rely on public healthcare facilities as their source for medications. The study highlights that only 3.33% of the patients had good treatment adherence, while 42.5% of the participants had poor treatment adherence.

Conclusions: The study findings reflect the inadequate treatment adherence of NCD patients especially hypertension and diabetes in rural settings. There is a present need for comprehensive  public health strategies focusing lifestyle modification, regular follow up  and direct monitoring.

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References

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Published

2025-01-31

How to Cite

Thayyil, J., Rejani, K., Kaithery, N. N., Punathukandi, S., Kannamvayal, D. K., & Palakkunnath, S. (2025). Treatment seeking behaviour and control status of selected parameters among non-communicable disease patients. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 12(2), 899–905. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250326

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Original Research Articles