title: [The discourse of health managers on aspects related to the delay in tuberculosis diagnosis].
abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the discourse of health managers on aspects related to delay in tuberculosis diagnosis. This was a qualitative research study, conducted with 16 Family Health Unit managers. The empirical data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The analysis was based on the theoretical framework of the French school of discourse analysis. According to the managers' statements, the delay in tuberculosis diagnosis is related to patient and health service aspects. As for patient aspects, managers report fear, prejudice and lack of information as factors that may promote a delayed diagnosis. Regarding health service aspects, structural problems and lack of professional skills were reported. The discourse of managers should be considered to qualify tuberculosis control actions and to prevent delays in diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João PessoaPB, Brasil.
authors.forename: Lenilde Duarte
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: de Sá
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Paraíba, João PessoaPB, Brasil.
authors.forename: Anne Jaquelyne Roque
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Barrêto
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Paraíba, João PessoaPB, Brasil.
authors.forename: Jordana de Almeida
authors.initials: Jde A
authors.lastname: Nogueira
authors.affiliation: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Brasil.
authors.forename: Fátima Teresinha Scarparo
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Cunha
authors.affiliation: Public Health Department, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão PretoSP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Pedro Fredemir
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Palha
authors.affiliation: Public Health Department, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão PretoSP, Brasil.
authors.forename: Tereza Cristina Scatena
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Villa
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*