Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) in low resource settings are neglected and often poorly diagnosed, leading to missed opportunities for early initiation of treatment and poor patient pathways. For example, in India, lung cancer often emerges on a background of chronic respiratory symptoms and is often not diagnosed at all – or at a very late stage. Because of late presentation and a range of other factors, survival from lung cancer in India is very low. At present we know very little about how knowledge and attitudes relating to CRD in poor, rural populations in India might be influenced by health and behavioural interventions. Similarly, compliance with treatments offered is poorly understood. Psychological theory-based interventions must be culturally appropriate and grounded in the local context. As such, it’s vital we develop our understanding if we are to change behaviours and reduce exposure to common risk factors, such as smoking and indoor cooking smoke.

The project will determine the feasibility of an intervention study of Health Care Worker (HCW)-delivered respiratory package including health education drawing on psychological theory of planned behaviour in the intervention arm and Health Belief Model in control arm and delivery of treatment and follow-up.

For further information, see: https://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/respire/chronic-respiratory-disorders/adult-lung-disease