Navigating delayed diagnoses, self-neglect, and lost livelihoods: a qualitative exploration of fisherfolk's health perspectives and management of non-communicable diseases in Kerala, India.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on India's healthcare system, accounting for approximately 62% of all deaths in the country in 2017. The southern Indian state - Kerala - has some of the highest rates of NCDs. Within the state, the fisherfolk community has a high prevalence of risk factors such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Working in the fisheries industry demands physical exertion, night shifts alongside extended periods of time at sea (for seafaring fisherfolk). Evidence is scant on how these conditions relate to the health-seeking experiences of fisherfolk, particularly in the context of NCDs. We conducted a qualitative study in two districts of Kerala to fill this gap.

Methods

In-depth individual and small group intervie

SUBMITTER: Surendran S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11437729 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature