title: Psycho-social dysfunction: perceived and enacted stigma among tuberculosis patients registered under revised national tuberculosis control programme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the perceived and enacted stigma experienced by TB patients and the community.
  
  
  METHODS
  We interviewed 276 TB patients registered for treatment during January-March 2004 in government health facilities of two Tuberculosis Units of south India. Data on perceived and enacted stigma were collected after two months of starting treatment, using a semi-structured interview schedule. In addition, four Focus Group Discussions were conducted among Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) providers and community members. Narrative summaries were also taken down to collect additional qualitative information.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 276 patients, 190 (69%) were males. There was no significant difference between the genders in relation to social stigma. Perceived stigma was higher than enacted stigma in both genders and significantly higher among males (Low self esteem p < 0.05), change of behavior of community (p < 0.05), ashamed to cough in front of others (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering the social and emotional impact of the disease, it is essential to adopt support strategies to enhance acceptance and for a successful health programme.
authors.affiliation: Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jaggarajamma
authors.forename: Rajeswari
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ramachandran
authors.forename: Nirupa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Charles
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chandrasekaran
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muniyandi
authors.forename: Sudha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ganapathy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003151:Community Health Centers; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy