Perceived stigma among people with TB and household contacts

BACKGROUND: TB-related stigma hampers access to diagnosis and treatment, making it important to understand the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with perceived TB stigma. TB stigma has not been studied in household contacts before, yet they comprise an important population for epidemic control, with high risk of infection.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among people with TB and household contacts in South Africa using a 12-item perceived TB stigma scale (score range: 0–36). Demographic and clinical characteristic data were collected using a close-ended questionnaire. A linear mixed-effects regression model was used to explore perceived TB stigma levels and its associated characteristics.

RESULTS: The sample included 143 people with TB and 135 household contacts. The mean perceived TB stigma score among people with TB was 22.1 (95% CI 21.1–23.1) and 22.2 (95% CI 21.1–23.3) among household contacts. Being in the same household explained 24.3% variability in stigma perception. Residence in the urban study site (Soshanguve) and a positive HIV diagnosis were associated with higher perceived TB stigma score.

CONCLUSIONS: People with TB and household contacts have similarly high prevalence of perceived TB stigma. Positive HIV status and urban location were associated with higher prevalence of perceived TB stigma.