To Study Sickle Cell and Tuberculosis Patients under Pandharkawada Primary Health Center in Yavatmal District and Create Awareness among Them and Provide Information about the Treatment of the Disease

Dr. Chetan Kisanrao Darade, Dr. Priyanka Tiwari, Dr. Subhash Kendre

Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease and sickle cell disease is a non-communicable disease. Despite national programs and growing health infrastructure, a large section of the population of the rural area of Pandharkawada in Yavatmal district is facing this disease. Even though adequate facilities are available, many patients are not able to get proper treatment for this disease due to lack of knowledge about the treatment of this disease. Therefore, it is necessary to identify patients with tuberculosis and sickle cell in the area and guide them about this disease and its treatment. Objectives: 1) To study patients at a primary health center, Pandhakharwada, Yavatmal district 2) To identify key social determinants affecting health and healthcare seeking behavior related to NCDs. 3) To explore the barriers faced by individuals in seeking diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of NCDs. 4) To provide community-driven suggestions to improve NCD care delivery and accessibility. Methodology: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using a bilingual questionnaire among patients from rural and semi-urban areas under Pandharkawada Primary Health Center in Yavatmal district. A total of 319 participants aged 30 years and above were selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results: The findings revealed that sickle cell and tuberculosis were the most common NCDs. The major social factors affecting access to healthcare were low educational attainment, poverty, distance from healthcare facilities and limited awareness about NCD prevention and management. The major barriers identified were financial constraints, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, irregular availability of medicines, long waiting times and social stigma. Women, marginalised communities and the elderly faced greater challenges in accessing care. Healthcare seeking behaviour was often delayed, with some individuals diagnosed with the condition discontinuing treatment due to cost or lack of symptoms. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the disease in Pandharvada Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) - a holistic approach that considers social and systemic factors. Increasing community awareness, improving access to government health facilities, ensuring affordable medicines, and engaging local leaders in health promotion are key steps to address the existing gaps.

Keywords: Non-Communicable Diseases, Communicable Diseases, Social Determinants, Healthcare Access, Barriers, Community-Based Study, Yavatmal District, Pandharkavda Taluka, Public Health, Health-Seeking Behaviour.