Socio-cultural factors influencing prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in immigrant and Aboriginal communities in Canada.
This multi-method study used a participatory action research approach to examine the complex net of socio-cultural factors that influenced behaviour related to tuberculosis (TB) prevention and treatment in the 10 highest risk cultural groups consisting of immigrant and Aboriginal populations in the province of Alberta, Canada. Trained community research associates collected qualitative interview data and helped with interpretation and evaluation. A community advisory committee established foundation principles and monitored the ethical and cultural appropriateness of the research process. A key finding is that although patients with active disease learn about TB from health professionals, people in high-risk populations need to learn more about TB transmission and prevention prior to contact. This is particularly important given that lack of knowledge of TB was strongly associated with negative attitudes towards TB and a worse experience of the disease. The study results underline the need for accessible and culturally appropriate health education about TB in the high risk groups. This can be accomplished in collaboration with lay people, particularly those who have recovered from active TB, their family members and health workers from the community.
Gibson
N
N
Canadian Circumpolar Institute, University of Alberta, 308 Campus Tower, Edmonton, Alta., Canada T6G 0H1. nancy.gibson@ualberta.ca
Cave
A
A
Doering
D
D
Ortiz
L
L
Harms
P
P
D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003256:Community Participation / Q000379:methods; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011287:Prejudice; D012931:Social Environment; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission
D000995:Antitubercular Agents