P029 PERCEPTIONS AND PERSPECTIVES OF RURAL NEPALESE PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION: A QUALITATIVE STUDY GUIDED BY THE LEVESQUE FRAMEWORK

Background and objective: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. These diseases can be reduced if hypertension is identified, managed and controlled. Disease burden in Nepal is high, resources are limited, and the population is socioeconomically vulnerable. Developing tailored interventions for hypertension management requires understanding of challenges and facilitators of healthcare. This qualitative study investigated barriers and facilitators impacting treatment and control of patients with hypertension in rural Nepal. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews among hypertensive patients(n=15), medical officers(n=3), Female Community Health Volunteers(FCHVs)(n=9), Frontline Health Workers(FLHWs)(n=15), medical officers(n=3), and local government representatives(n=5) from Panchkhal and Bethanchowk municipalities of Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal. Focus group discussions with FCHVs(n=7) were also conducted. Recordings were coded, transcribed and themes were identified. Patients with hypertension were approached door-to-door by FCHVs. FCHVs and FLHWs were accessed through health facilities. The framework developed by Levesque et al., was used to conceptualize access to care from the viewpoints of various stakeholders. Emerging themes were mapped as the ability to-perceive, seek, reach, pay and engage. Results: Most participants felt the need for care after experiencing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. Trust in health facilities facilitated care, although unavailability of medicines and insufficient qualified staff were important obstacles. Some used homemade therapies for hypertension control highlighting a gap in awareness of treatment methods. Geographical inaccessibility of health facilities, as well as financial difficulties, were other important barriers identified. Patient's expected prompt service and reduced out-of-pocket expenditure. Medication-taking behavior was influenced by factors including forgetfulness, perceived need and side effects. Support from family, community, and local levels was identified as crucial for hypertension management. Conclusions: This qualitative study highlights the multifaceted challenges for hypertension treatment and control in rural Nepal. Addressing identified barriers and leveraging facilitating factors are essential for reducing hypertension.