A Study Comparing Tuberculosis-related Stigma in Healthcare Providers and Receivers

Global efforts to reduce tuberculosis (TB) are severely hampered by stigma. With a high number of TB infections, India struggles with the widespread stigma surrounding the illness, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat patients promptly. To shed light on an important but often ignored component of TB management, we calculate the prevalence of TB-related stigma and variability in the manifestation in different groups.

After calculating the sample size, we stratified them into different groups: patients with TB, healthcare workers providing TB services, and family members living with the patients. A validated, predesigned questionnaire was employed to assess stigma across various domains. MS Excel was used to compile the data, and Epi Info 7 to analyze it.

Health professionals made up the largest percentage of those who experienced stigma (11.78%), followed by family members (8.91%), and patients (6.05%). The association of stigma with different groups of study participants was statistically significant, implying that stigma exists variably in the other groups. The majority of the patients (3.50%) perceived stigma at their home, whereas the majority of the family members faced stigma in the community (5.41%). Healthcare workers face stigma majorly in the community (7.96%).

Stigma related to TB lays its foundation in varied perceptions by society. Societal norms determine acceptable and undesirable behaviors. Our study reveals major roadblocks on the way to TB eradication in the country and reveals a picture that can be extrapolated to most communities throughout. Aiming to reduce stigma will, in turn, improve treatment-related outcomes in TB and pave the way for smoother management and eradication.