The meaning and consequences of tuberculosis for an at-risk urban group in Ecuador.
OBJECTIVE
To explore knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes about tuberculosis (TB) in a high-risk group in Ecuador. This included signs and symptoms, causation, transmission, treatment, treatment adherence, impact on lifestyle and role functioning, and stigma.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 212 adults undergoing diagnostic TB testing at a public health facility in Quito, Ecuador, was recruited for the study. Data were collected from subjects during face-to-face interviews using a structured instrument containing closed and openended questions. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used for quantitative analyses; content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.


RESULTS
Most subjects were familiar with TB and some of its characteristics and treatment aspects. However, many also held misconceptions or lacked key knowledge which could adversely affect early diagnosis and treatment and adherence to treatment, and thereby allow the disease to spread. Subject education was the single most important predictor of knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes followed by gender, age, and prior disease experience. The subjects linked TB to multiple adverse health, economic, psychological, and social consequences, including stigma. Although none knew if they had TB when interviewed, many reported feeling stigmatized just by being tested. The subjects identified a strong need for formal educational opportunities to learn about TB prevention and control but had little access to these.


CONCLUSIONS
The study findings highlight a need for enhanced population access to TB education. Health education and social marketing directed toward increasing TB knowledge and changing perceptions and attitudes could ultimately contribute to improved early diagnosis, treatment adherence, prevention, and decreased stigma. This could be accomplished providing that the public health infrastructure is adequate to meet demands.
Armijos
Rodrigo X
RX
Human Immunology and Nutrition Research Laboratory, Department of Health Promotion, College of Health Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA. rxarmijos@utep.edu
Weigel
M Margaret
MM
Qincha
Matilde
M
Ulloa
Bernarda
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D004484:Ecuador; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014505:Urban Population