Fedo Vitals report highlights challenges in managing chronic diseases in India

Chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, mental health disorders, diabetes, and cancer, have become the leading causes of death and disability in India. Hypertension and diabetes account for 68 per cent of all chronic diseases in the country. Other prevalent conditions include arthritis, lung disease, neurological diseases, and cancer. Key risk factors contributing to chronic diseases in India include undernutrition, air pollution, unhealthy diets, high blood pressure, high fasting plasma glucose, high cholesterol, and obesity.

A recent report by Fedo Vitals, a health insights platform developed by the health-tech startup Fedo, sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals managing chronic diseases. Fedo’s AI-powered platform generates personalised health scores and assesses an individual’s risk for various diseases, providing insights for proactive disease management.

The report reveals that the cost of treatment remains a significant burden, with 64 per cent of users stating that the cumulative cost of ongoing care, including hospital visits, medications, and home care, creates a financial challenge. In addition, 45 per cent of individuals report inconsistent insurance coverage, which results in high out-of-pocket expenses, particularly for advanced treatments. The economic strain extends to families, with 39 per cent of users indicating that family members contribute financially or take time off work to provide care.

Access to healthcare is another critical issue, with 28 per cent of users living in rural or underserved areas, where specialised healthcare services are limited. This leads to delays in receiving essential care. A further 31 per cent of users report difficulty accessing specialists for conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, leading to longer wait times and less frequent appointments. Approximately 25 per cent note that overloaded healthcare systems contribute to long wait times and negatively impact disease management.

A lack of awareness and education also affects chronic disease management. The report indicates that 42 per cent of users lack adequate knowledge about their diseases and the benefits of adhering to prescribed treatments and lifestyle changes. Misconceptions about treatment were reported by 19 per cent of users, while 36 per cent find it difficult to manage complex care plans that involve balancing medications, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments.

Many patients struggle to maintain lifestyle changes, with 48 per cent finding it difficult to follow a healthy diet due to personal habits or the cost of nutritious food. Another 34 per cent report challenges in incorporating regular exercise into their lives, citing time constraints or physical limitations. Emotional barriers, such as depression and anxiety, affect 27 per cent of users, making it harder to stick to lifestyle changes.

Medication adherence is another concern. Around 22 per cent of users report difficulty in remembering to take medications regularly, especially when managing multiple conditions. Side effects cause 15 per cent to skip or stop medications, while 37 per cent report that the high cost of medications leads them to ration prescriptions or discontinue treatment.

Mental health challenges are common, with 29 per cent of users reporting depression or anxiety. These issues often interfere with their ability to follow treatment plans and manage their conditions. Social isolation affects 18 per cent, while 21 per cent feel overwhelmed by the continuous demands of managing their health.

Limited access to health-monitoring technology also hinders effective disease management. About 30 per cent of users do not have access to wearable health devices, and 25 per cent are not engaged with digital health platforms due to unfamiliarity or limited internet access. Technology fatigue affects 12 per cent, with users feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications and monitoring.

Support systems play a crucial role, yet 26 per cent of users report a lack of adequate support from family and friends. Caregiver fatigue affects 18 per cent, as family members providing care experience burnout, leading to gaps in care.

The Fedo Vitals report underscores the need for improved healthcare access, better support systems, and more affordable treatment options to help individuals manage chronic conditions effectively.