학술논문
Non-communicable disease management: Access to healthcare during COVID-19 pandemic in rural Kerala, India.
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Revu J; Global Institute of Public Health, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.; Anand MP; Global Institute of Public Health, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.; Department of Cardiology, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.; Aadil R; Department of Cardiology, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.; Mini GK; Global Institute of Public Health, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.; Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental Colleges & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India.
Source
Publisher: Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd Country of Publication: India NLM ID: 101608821 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 2452-0918 (Print) Linking ISSN: 22133984 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Clin Epidemiol Glob Health Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
2452-0918
Abstract
Background: Globally, data on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic showed a higher risk of infection and complications in people with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In India, the prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors vary significantly between states. Compared to other states, Kerala has the highest prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the country, along with the highest proportion of the elderly population. The study evaluates the disease management patterns and changes in healthcare behaviors among adults with NCDs in Kerala during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 adult NCD patients in rural Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Using a semi-structured interview schedule, the present study gathered information on socio-demographic characteristics, disease patterns, healthcare utilization, and behavioral change during the pandemic.
Results: Mean age of the participants was 62 years (range: 37-88; women: 64%). The most prevalent NCD was hypertension (74%) and diabetes (65%) followed by chronic respiratory disease (12%), cardiovascular disease (11%), and cancer (2%). Nearly 76% had difficulty in obtaining consultation/medical follow-up. Around 10% relied on telecommunication and 32% reported increased stress during the pandemic. Those with low socio-economic status and with a single NCD were more vulnerable to the challenges faced during the pandemic.
Conclusion: A higher proportion of adults with NCDs faced difficulties in healthcare access and had negative healthcare behaviors during the pandemic. The findings highlight the need to ensure better healthcare for people living with NCDs during the times of pandemic.
Competing Interests: None.
(© 2023 The Authors.)
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 adult NCD patients in rural Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Using a semi-structured interview schedule, the present study gathered information on socio-demographic characteristics, disease patterns, healthcare utilization, and behavioral change during the pandemic.
Results: Mean age of the participants was 62 years (range: 37-88; women: 64%). The most prevalent NCD was hypertension (74%) and diabetes (65%) followed by chronic respiratory disease (12%), cardiovascular disease (11%), and cancer (2%). Nearly 76% had difficulty in obtaining consultation/medical follow-up. Around 10% relied on telecommunication and 32% reported increased stress during the pandemic. Those with low socio-economic status and with a single NCD were more vulnerable to the challenges faced during the pandemic.
Conclusion: A higher proportion of adults with NCDs faced difficulties in healthcare access and had negative healthcare behaviors during the pandemic. The findings highlight the need to ensure better healthcare for people living with NCDs during the times of pandemic.
Competing Interests: None.
(© 2023 The Authors.)