Perception of hypertension among the rural inhabitants of a district in Assam: a qualitative study

Background: With the current epidemiological transition, India faces triple burden of disease and hypertension has emerged as a major problem. Effective prevention and control strategies need adequate knowledge regarding the perception and understanding of hypertension from a layman’s viewpoint. The qualitative study aimed to understand the layman’s perceptions and the basis of it. Methods: Five focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among rural inhabitants of Assam with grounded theory approach and social constructivist paradigm. Data mining with thematic and content analysis was done. Results: Hypertension was perceived to be a serious problem in the community. The people were not clear regarding the symptoms. Faulty diet, household and work-related stress and environmental change were considered as major predisposing factors for hypertension. They perceived their lack of knowledge and so was the importance of awareness campaigns and regular screening in the community. Slight variations in perception of hypertension among man and woman was seen. Men perceived physical inactivity as the major issue while women perceived household stress as the leading cause for hypertension. Conclusions: Hypertension is a serious problem in the community. The community lacks understanding of the symptoms of hypertension. Awareness regarding the problem is there but the treatment seeking behavior is lacking. There was a felt need of awareness campaigns and regular screening. This will help in filling the dearth of knowledge on hypertension in the community leading to effective prevention and control.