P022 A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS FOR NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT IN KATHMANDU DISTRICT OF NEPAL

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the primary contributors to mortality and, therefore, considered a major public health problem. Community support group (CSG) interventions are advocated as cost-effective strategies for managing NCDs like diabetes and hypertension. While these interventions are globally popular in fostering self-help and motivation for adopting healthy practices, their effectiveness and feasibility in Nepal are poorly assessed. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of creating community support groups to manage NCDs, particularly diabetes and hypertension; conducting regular meetings; and understanding the preliminary impact of CSG meetings on NCD self-management behaviors. Methods: A pre-post interventional study was conducted in Kathmandu district, Nepal, using a mixed-method approach. CSGs were formed for individuals aged 40 and above, diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes. Each of these groups convened twice monthly over three months, focusing on self-management practices related to diet, physical activity, medication adherence, self-monitoring, and foot care. Baseline and end-line surveys measured the initial impact, while qualitative data from meeting discussions and in-depth interviews captured patient perspectives and meeting acceptability. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-tests, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Results: Of the total 41 participants in the study, 80% (mean age: 60.1 years) were female. The attendance in the group meetings ranged from 70% to 90%. Post-intervention, significant improvements were noted in blood pressure and weight. Qualitative findings revealed strong acceptance of CSG meetings, fostering information exchange and shared learning that could motivate self-management behavior changes. While participants acknowledged potential challenges in regular meeting attendance, such as finding common interests for collaborative activities, most found facilitator-led sessions interesting and promising. Homogenous groups, due to shared demands, are more inclined to engage in collaborative activities. Conclusion: This study suggests the potential effectiveness of support group activities for self-managing NCDs in Nepal. Large scale randomized controlled trial are recommended to assess the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of this approach.