Table 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): themes and corresponding questions

1. VHT Understanding of NCDs

What is your understanding of what a non-communicable disease is?

[Probe: Could you give me some examples of NCDs?]

How often do you see people in your communities with NCDs while doing your VHT work?

Are people in your communities aware of NCDs or know of what causes them?

[Probe: Why do you think people are not aware of NCDs or their causes?]

2. VHT Role in Preventing NCDs in the Communities

As a VHT, do you think NCDs are important health issues that should be taken care of in your communities?

What ways could you help in dealing with NCDs in your communities?

[Probe: Could you give examples of ways NCDs could be prevented in your communities? How could you manage to help deal with NCDs with your VHT work?]

3. Facilitators of VHT Role in Preventing NCDs in the Communities

What would encourage NCDs prevention in your communities?

[Probes: What could your communities do? What could VHT workers do to prevent NCDs?]

4. Barriers to VHT Role in Preventing NCD in the Communities

What might be the barriers to dealing with NCDs in your communities?

[Probe: As VHT workers, what are the barriers to dealing with NCDs in your communities?]

[Examples of response-specific probes: e.g. respondent mentions equipment – what kind of equipment do you need that you don’t have? Respondent mentions lack of engagement with health facilities – what are the specific problems that you face?]