Methodological considerations for studying diabetes: understandings and actions in Chennai, India

As per the World Health Organization's global noncommunicable disease (NCD) strategy, data on health perceptions and behaviours are critical to designing and tailoring interventions to slow rising NCD prevalence and the toll on public health and economic well-being. Intervention planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation require understanding the relevant public's sense of personal risk, prevention awareness, and willingness to undertake preventative measures, as well as structural barriers impeding engagement in healthy behaviours, seeking treatment, and managing illness. This article details the design features and challenges of a study focused on the aforementioned features in Chennai, India. These features and challenges have relevance across Asia. As such, communication and collaboration between Asian researchers and program planners can enrich results for all involved. Establishing such a forum should be high on Asia's global health agenda.