[Tuberculosis communication challenges in Ivory Coast]

The objective of this socio-anthropological study was to establish a foundation for communication recommendations with the potential to increase the demand for tuberculosis (TB) screening in Ivory Coast. The study therefore focused on perceptions of TB likely to be influenced via communication campaigns.

The study design included a qualitative approach, with semi-structured interviews of 54 persons and 28 focus groups each comprised of 8 persons, as well as a quantitative approach, with a questionnaire distributed to 400 respondents. The study was undertaken in Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo and San Pédro, Ivory Coast.

Amongst the results, this study showed that the population has a robust understanding of the existence and severity of TB and a good understanding of TB symptoms. There is little confidence in traditional medicine to treat TB and there is an awareness that TB can be treated by modern medicine and medications. On the other hand, only half of the population knew that TB treatment is free-of-charge, which could be a contributing factor to patients not seeking treatment. For the vast majority of respondents, there is an association between TB and HIV or AIDS. Fears related to this association are likely to present a significant obstacle to seeking treatment in cases of presumed TB.

Based on these findings, we think it is essential to reinforce communication around the availability of free treatment for TB, and to disassociate TB from HIV in communication and awareness-raising tools both for TB and for HIV.