Social stigma among tuberculosis patients attending DOTS centers in Delhi

Every year >9 million people suffer from tuberculosis (TB) and India accounts for >25% of global TB burden. Tuberculosis patients experience both psychological and social suffering. Amongst the problems met by tuberculosis patients, social stigma has been increasingly recognized. This study was done to assess social stigma and associated factors among the tuberculosis patients attending Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) centers in South East Delhi.

It was a cross-sectional study carried out among tuberculosis patients availing treatment from DOTS centers of South East Delhi. Out of 48 DOTS centers in South East Delhi, 6 centers were selected on the basis of population proportion to size. A total of 270 TB patients were interviewed using a semi-structured, pretested questionnaire consisting of stigma-based questions. Fisher exact and Chi-square test applied.

The mean age of patients was 31.5 years (SD ± 11.5) with age ranging from 18 to 77 years. Males were higher (57.4%) compared to females (42.6%). 123 (45.5%) perceived stigma with family/friends and 92/158 (58.2%) perceived stigma at workplace. Young patients (<30 years), males faced more stigma at workplace and lower socioeconomic class faced higher stigma with family and friends (P < 0.05).

There is still higher stigmatization faced by patients with TB at family/friends and at workplace. Motivation by friends/family and support at workplace has been crucial in achieving successful treatment outcomes.