Challenges in primary care for diabetes and hypertension: an observational study of the Kolar district in rural India.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic diseases have emerged as the leading cause of death globally, and 20% of Indians are estimated to suffer from a chronic condition. Care for chronic diseases poses a major public health challenge, especially when health care delivery has been geared traditionally towards acute care. In this study, we aimed to better understand how primary care for diabetes and hypertension is currently organised in first-line health facilities in rural India, and propose evidence-based ways forward for strengthening local health systems to address chronic problems.

Methods

We used qualitative and quantitative methods to gain insight into how care is organised and how patients and providers manage within this delivery system. We conducted in-depth interviews with the medical

SUBMITTER: Lall D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6339380 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature