Latent tuberculosis in pregnant women: a patient perspective

SETTING: Screening and treatment for latent tuberculosis (LTBI) in pregnant women remains controversial, although studies suggest there is a significantly increased risk of progression to active disease in the postpartum period. Studies have also shown that adherence to postpartum follow-up and treatment of LTBI is poor. To our knowledge, the reasons for this have not been investigated. We therefore identified pregnant women originating from high-burden tuberculosis (TB) countries now living in the Stockholm region, and screened and treated them for LTBI.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how women diagnosed with LTBI during pregnancy understood and experienced their diagnosis and treatment.

DESIGN: Sixteen semi-structured interviews with women on treatment for LTBI were analysed using content analysis with an inductive approach.

RESULTS: None of the women were familiar with LTBI and assumed they had active TB, causing anxiety about who they might have infected and how it would affect the baby, as well as the fear of being stigmatised. They showed great ability to search for and understand information regarding their condition. Once treatment was initiated, they were motivated to complete it.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the key factors was to provide treatment along with reliable information about LTBI to help patients overcome their concerns and misconceptions.