Treatment-seeking behavior and compliance of diabetic patients in a rural area of south India.
India, being a rural country, has unique problems regarding the treatment compliance of diabetic patients. This community-based study was undertaken in a rural primary health center area near Chennai (Madras) in order to better understand treatment-seeking behavior, compliance patterns, and reasons for noncompliance among rural diabetics. Compliance was indirectly measured through patient interviews and drug use charts. Of the 112 patients interviewed, 72% had some symptoms at the time of diagnosis, and the majority of them were diagnosed in government health centers. Noncompliance was seen in 57% of the 112 patients interviewed, and reasons were elicited. Interruption of treatment was significantly associated with lack of education. The study identified the lack of a patient-friendly, flexible health care system as the primary reason for noncompliance.
Srinivas
G
G
Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, India. drsrinivas@vsnl.com
Suresh
E
E
Jagadeesan
M
M
Amalraj
E
E
Datta
Manjula
M
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data