Participatory theatre and tuberculosis: a feasibility study with South African health care workers

Health care workers (HCWs) in South Africa have a risk of acquiring tuberculosis (TB) that is twice that of the general population. Nonetheless, adherence to infection control and TB disclosure requirements remain problematic.

To gain insight into the feasibility of an educational participatory theatre intervention to reduce the risk of occupational TB.

An intervention using participatory theatre was developed progressively over six consecutive sessions with different groups of HCWs, totalling 83 participants. Videos of the sessions, field notes, observations, interviews and a post-experience survey were analysed to ascertain feasibility.

The intervention was acceptable to participants, met a defined demand, proved adaptable to the target group and was practical if done during working hours or if integrated into already existing training sessions. The theatre work shed light on where to focus educational interventions. Preliminary efficacy outcomes included strengthened social cohesion via group work and reports of subsequent greater vigilance regarding occupational TB.

Participatory theatre techniques may offer a useful, culturally appropriate supplement to existing educational approaches to the prevention and management of occupational TB. Given the limitations in resources and our assessment of feasibility, training existing health care educators in such techniques would be a promising next step.