title: Tuberculosis stigma in Gezira State, Sudan: a case-control study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) stigma and to determine the relation between socio-demographic characteristics and TB stigma among TB cases and their controls in Gezira State, Sudan.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case-control study design was used. New smear-positive TB patients  registered in Gezira State in 2010 (n = 425) and controls who attended the same health facility for other reasons (n < 850) formed the study population. Stigma was measured using a standard modified World Health Organization TB KAP (knowledge, attitudes, practice) instrument.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TB stigma did not differ between TB cases and controls; mild stigma was found in both groups. The higher degree of stigma among both groups was significantly associated with higher age, lower level of education, residence in rural areas, unemployment and poor TB awareness, while sex had no  association with the degree of stigma in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although TB stigma among the Gezira population was found to be mild, it can affect treatment adherence. Empowering both TB patients and communities by increasing their knowledge through proper education programmes could  effectively contribute to the effort of controlling TB in the state.
authors: Unit for Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark. msuleiman@health.sdu.dk
authors: M M
authors: MM
authors: Ahmed Suleiman
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Sahal
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Sodemann
authors: A
authors: A
authors: El Sony
authors: A R
authors: AR
authors: Aro
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice; D015995:Prevalence; D011639:Public Opinion; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D013397:Sudan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*