Abstract / Summary
Abstract Metabolic Syndrome is a growing threat globally, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in urban poor settings. Despite this, there is a scarcity of research to understand determinants influencing self-management behaviors among individuals in these settings. Study was conducted from September 2022 to January 2023, with the aim of investigating socio-cultural, behavioral, and environmental determinants of MetS self-management among adults in urban poor settings of Delhi. Study adopted a mixed-methods approach, and included 120 Participants having MetS. Qualitative data based on HBM model were collected through in-depth interviews and subjected to thematic and sentiment analyses. The quantitative data included demographics, clinical parameters, and lifestyle behaviours, and were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses. Participants demonstrated poor control of blood pressure (147/86 mmHg ± 21/14), and blood glucose (238 mg/dL ± 92), with limited awareness and self-management of MetS. Self-management barriers included time constraint, household responsibilities, finances, and socio-cultural norms. Despite participants’ access to mobile phones, low digital and health literacy prevented effective use of technology. However, majority participants perceived MetS as risk to health, and expressed interest towards adopting healthy behaviors. The findings emphasized the need for contextually tailored, affordable, and behaviorally grounded interventions to enhance self-management among socio-economically disadvantaged urban populations.