Barriers to Hypertension Control in Rural Jhajjar, Haryana: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Hypertension is one of the most significant public health challenges globally and in India. There are still notable barriers to creating awareness, diagnosis and long-term control of hypertension in rural areas, despite an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Objectives: To assess the barriers faced by hypertensive patients in the management and control of hypertension and to explore challenges encountered by healthcare providers in delivering hypertension care in the rural block of district Jhajjar, Haryana. Methods: A community-based, mixed-methods cross-sectional study in 10 randomly selected subcentres. Thirty registered hypertensive adults were selected from each, for a total of 300 subjects. Quantitative data were collected with a pretested, structured schedule and qualitative data were obtained from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with healthcare providers. Descriptive statistics were applied for quantitative data, while thematic analysis was employed for qualitative findings. Results: Among 300 participants, 50.7% were female; 32.7% were aged 51–60 years. Only, 83.4% of respondents reported irregular treatment adherence. Only 47.7% identified stress as a risk factor for hypertension, and 37.7% discontinued medication following symptomatic relief. Healthcare providers cited lack of drugs, overburdened workloads, and patient misconceptions as key challenges. Conclusion: The management of hypertension in rural Jhajjar is impeded at different patient, provider, and system-level levels. Therefore, to improve the control of hypertension, it is necessary to address the gaps in NCD programs such as continuous drug supply, as well as enhancing patient awareness.