Treatment-Seeking Behavior of the Public During an Acute Stroke or Cardiac Event—Health-Care Expert’s Perspective From Kerala, India

Abstract

Early treatment seeking during a stroke or heart attack is critical to prevent mortality and disability. This study has aimed to understand the perceptions of health-care experts in the state regarding the “emergency healthcare-seeking behavior of Kerala population during an acute stroke or heart attack.” An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was utilized in the study. Semi-structured interviews with health-care experts were conducted, and the data were analyzed linguistically. Later, interpretations were made based on the themes and literature review. We interviewed 7 health experts, and data were analyzed using the IPA method. Major concerns raised by the health experts include health financing issues, the disparity in treatment-seeking response based on socioeconomic status, less awareness regarding stroke in public, and so on.