Feasibility and Acceptability of the Family Centered Model to Manage and Prevent Non Communicable Diseases in Selected Communities of Lusaka Province

Abstract

Peter Uteh Upla*, Mfonido Ituen Bassey, Bashiru Sani, Naja’atu Shehu Hadi, Yusuf Eshimutu Abu and Mariano Dimonte

Objective: Our objective was to test the feasibility and acceptability of Family centered model in managing and preventing NCDs in the Zambian context. We used hypertension as our tracer NCD.

Results: Six major themes emerged during intervention design based on community conversation: (1) Willingness, (2) importance of family support; (3) incentives for CHWs (4) trainings health workers (5) basic Equipment (6) medical supplies. Participants found FCM to be acceptable and needed in the community. They emphasized the need for training all people involved (HW, CHW and family members) and providing basic equipment to manage hypertension and other NCDs.

Pilot feasibility stage: We approached 9 families using an index patient identified at the clinic. One family declined to take part. So 8 families were screened with a total of 32 family members. Hypertension prevalence was 43.8% (14/32) among all those who were screened. During the pilot, four groups were formed based on the FCM, 3 out of the 4 groups managed to form household FCM. Each group had 4-6 members. CHW provided basic training to family members and followed up over a 3 months period, visiting weekly or when needed.