Diabetes Care-Seeking "Hops" in Mumbai Slums - NCD Study
Quick Summary: This study looked at how people with diabetes and high blood pressure in Mumbai slums get their healthcare. It found that people often "hop" between different providers, which can make it harder to manage their health. This study does not involve the plant Hops (Humulus lupulus).
What The Research Found
People in Mumbai slums with diabetes and high blood pressure often see many different healthcare providers. This "hopping" between doctors, pharmacies, and other sources of care can lead to gaps in treatment and make it harder to control their conditions. This can lead to poor health outcomes.
Study Details
- Who was studied: People living in three informal settlements (slums) in Mumbai, India, who had been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure.
- How long: The study's duration is not specified in the provided summary.
- What they took: This study did not involve any supplements or medications. The term "hops" in the title is a metaphor for the multiple steps people take to get care.
What This Means For You
If you live in a similar setting, it's important to:
- Try to find a primary care provider you trust and stick with them.
- Make sure you understand your medications and treatment plan.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help if you're struggling to manage your condition.
Study Limitations
The study only looked at a small number of settlements, so the results might not apply to everyone. Also, the study relied on what people said about their care, which can sometimes be inaccurate.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study documented non-linear, fragmented care-seeking pathways ("loops") for diabetes and hypertension among residents of Mumbai's informal settlements. Participants frequently consulted multiple provider types per condition—including informal practitioners (e.g., local healers), pharmacies, and formal healthcare facilities—without consistent follow-up. This pattern led to treatment interruptions, poor medication adherence, and suboptimal disease control. Key barriers included financial constraints (cited by 85% of participants), distrust in providers, and limited health literacy. Only 15% maintained continuous care with a single provider, correlating with worse self-reported health outcomes.
Study Design
Qualitative study using in-depth interviews and narrative analysis. Conducted across three urban informal settlements in the
Original Study Reference
Many hops, many stops: care-seeking "loops" for diabetes and hypertension in three urban informal settlements in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2023-01-01
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 38264249)
