Importance of giving health education regarding lifestyle modification and perceived barriers: focus group discussion among community health workers of slum of Kolkata, India

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) affect millions of individuals over an extended period of time and have a wicked impact on quality of life. NCDs are estimated to account for 60% of total adult deaths in India. 1 In line with WHO Global Action Plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-20, India in its national health policy 2017, stated to reduce the number of premature deaths from NCDs by 25% by 2025. ABSTRACTBackground: Considering the poor health literacy and high prevalence of risk factors of NCDs in the slums, health education remains prime intervention. Indeed, successful intervention requires programmes tailored not only to local needs and available resources but also the way it is implemented in the community. The objective was to assess the knowledge of NCDs and NCD care, identify the barriers that impede community level workers from providing services pertained to achieve and maintain healthy living among the community. Methods: It was a qualitative study (FGD) conducted on 30 th November 2017 among community level workers of Urban Health Unit and Training Centre (UHU and TC), Chetla, Kolkata. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted to identify significant themes in the data. Results: It was found that everyone was aware of Non-communicable Diseases. In terms of physical activity, lack of time, whereas in tobacco, it had become a habit from the young age, poor knowledge about healthy diet were the main challenges in adopting the healthy lifestyle. Health education to create awareness is crucial in tackling NCDs. Conclusions: The study revealed that the community workers were aware of the importance of health education and poor awareness regarding healthy lifestyle among people was the main challenge. By delivering holistic interventions that address multiple lifestyle risks and incorporate relapse prevention strategies, health trainers could potentially have a significant impact on control of NCDs.