Psycho-social dysfunction: perceived and enacted stigma among tuberculosis patients registered under revised national tuberculosis control programme.
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.
Jaggarajamma
K
K
Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, India.
Ramachandran
Rajeswari
R
Charles
Nirupa
N
Chandrasekaran
V
V
Muniyandi
M
M
Ganapathy
Sudha
S
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