Free Content Social impact of tuberculosis in southern Thailand: views from patients, care providers and the community

Authors: Sengupta, S.1; Pungrassami, P.2; Balthip, Q.3; Strauss, R.1; Kasetjaroen, Y.1; Chongsuvivatwong, V.3; Van Rie, A.1

Source: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 10, Number 9, September 2006 , pp. 1008-1012(5)

Publisher: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There is growing recognition that attention to social and behavioral factors in tuberculosis (TB) control needs to complement biomedical emphasis on better drugs, vaccines and new diagnostic tools.

METHODS: Using qualitative methods, we conducted 10 focus groups and seven individual interviews to explore how TB is perceived or experienced in southern Thailand. Participants included male and female patients with TB, patients with AIDS, TB care providers, family members of patients with TB, religious leaders (Buddhist and Muslim), and unaffected community members.

RESULTS: Responses informed two conceptual frameworks on stigma and social support. The first model dichotomized the meaning of TB into `good' and `bad' factors related to social support and stigma, respectively. The second model identified three themes—disease severity, religion, and knowledge of TB—linked to either stigma, social support, or both.

CONCLUSION: Social support as a facilitator and stigma as a barrier are diametrically opposed concepts that need to inform TB care and treatment. Interventions to reduce stigma and promote social support at the patient, household, community, and health care system levels should be part of future efforts in the control of TB in Thailand.

Keywords: TB; stigma; social support; HIV; Thailand

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA 2: Tuberculosis Center 12, Yala, Thailand 3: Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand

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