Patients perceived stigma associated with community-based directly observed therapy of tuberculosis in Uganda.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether linkage of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS increases the perception of stigma among TB patients on Community-Based Directly Observed Therapy (CB-DOT) compared to similar TB patients on self-administered therapy (SAT).


METHODS
A Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Kiboga (CB-DOT) and Mubende (SAT) districts, Uganda in 2000.


METHODS
One hundred and five tuberculosis patients on CB-DOT and 202 patients on SAT. One hundred and twenty one (39%) of these patients agreed to be tested for HIV.


RESULTS
Patients on CB-DOT and patients on SAT were similar on most of the domains used to assess stigma associated with a TB diagnosis, except for the domain of TB diagnosis and general belief that TB and HIV/AIDS are linked. Patients on CB-DOT were more likely to believe that neighbours knew they had TB compared to patients on SAT (91% vs. 62%, p < 0.001), but the groups did not differ in their perception that neighbours thought they have HIV because of TB (46% vs. 46%, p = 0.954). HIV prevalence was similar in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrates that TB patients on CB-DOT did not differ from SAT patients in their perception of stigma as a result of TB. Therefore, HIV-related stigma may not limit wide implementation of CB-DOT in countries like Uganda.
Katamba
A
A
City Council of Kampala, P.O. Box 21696, Kampala, Uganda.
Neuhauser
D B
DB
Smyth
K A
KA
Adatu
F
F
Katabira
E
E
Whalen
C C
CC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012646:Self Administration / Q000523:psychology; D012938:Social Perception; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014454:Uganda