Trust and transparency in human encounters in tuberculosis control: lessons learned from Vietnam

The purpose of this study was to elucidate understanding of mechanisms of the tuberculosis sickness trajectory in Vietnam. In-depth interviews with 24 TB patients and 16 health care providers involved in TB care were concurrently conducted, coded, and analyzed according to the grounded theory method. A need for quality interaction based on transparency and trust among patient, family, society, and provider was observed. Providers lacked an awareness of differences between male and female patients with regard to social situation and support. In particular, female patients needed social support, as they received less support from their families than men did. A need for active intervention to decrease social isolation and increase social support was more pronounced in families with a female TB patient.