Barriers To Healthy Lifestyle Among People with Known Diabetes and Hypertension in Selected Villages of Lakkur PHC, Kolar District

Abstract

Introduction: Lifestyle plays an important role in maintaining control in non communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension diseases and many are not able to practice it due to the presence of multiple barriers. Objectives: To assess the barriers to a healthy lifestyle in known diabetic and hypertensive patients in selected villages under Lakkur PHC area. Methodology: The study was cross sectional and a structured interview schedule consisting of 50 questions in 5 domains (diet, physical activity, tobacco use, adherence to drugs and follow-up) was administered to 180 known diabetics and hypertensives residing in 6 villages of PHC area. The total score was classified into high, moderate and low barrier categories. Results: The proportion of individuals with high barrier was found to be 30(16.7%). The domain of adherence to medication had the highest barrier score 119 (66.1%). The top most barriers identified were lack of variety in healthy food, lack of time to exercise and inadequate awareness about need for life-long medication. Conclusion: Barriers to healthy lifestyle are common among diabetic and hypertensive patients. Adherence to medication domain had the highest barrier score and lack of variety among healthy food was the topmost barrier identified.

Keywords

• Adherence to treatment
• barrier
• healthy lifestyle
• non-communicable disease