Mixed-Method Analysis of Community Health Camps: A Novel Approach Beckoning

BACKGROUND: In India, 60% of the population lack basic medical facilities, so health camps which provide short-term medical interventions for target communities may be beneficial. This study epidemiologically analyzes a health camp event in a rural area of Maharashtra to provide practical insights for organizing, planning, and implementation of health camps. OBJECTIVES: 1. Assess the sociodemographic profile and spectrum of morbidity of camp beneficiaries. 2. Assess expectations and satisfaction perceived by community and organizers from health camps. 3. Gain practical insights from the camp event to advocate participation-friendly policies in the community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional mixed design study. Using qualitative method, a total of four focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with beneficiaries attending the camp and three in-depth interviews (IDIs) were held with camp organizers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 358 beneficiaries to be studied quantitatively. RESULTS: The camp comprised 52.7% of males and 36.7% of females as beneficiaries. Observed were cases of acute disease (41.6% [n = 149]) and chronic disease (58.7% [n = 209]) with maximum beneficiaries visiting ophthalmology department (25.4%) followed by general medicine (16.70%). FGDs and IDIs revealed two major themes – expectation and satisfaction and several subthemes. CONCLUSION: The beneficiaries appreciated the event and expressed the requirement of organizing such camps in future again. The camp was need based as revealed by the organizers and beneficiaries. Few strategies in future can result in more participation-friendly health camps.