Magnitude and Consequences of TB-Related Stigma Experienced by People with Tuberculosis in Tanzania

Résumé fourni par la source

Background: TB-related stigma is a barrier to ending TB. Because of stigma, patients with TB can be delayed in seeking treatment, receiving a diagnosis, initiating and completing treatment, and consequently increasing the transmission of the disease within a community. Information regarding the magnitude and consequences of TB-related stigma in Tanzania are generally missing in our setting. The study aimed to generate such information to inform the planning and implementation of TB-related stigma reduction strategies. Methods: Between September 2021 and February 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data on TB-related stigma among people with or who had TB (PWTB) in five regions of Tanzania. The survey utilized adapted structured questionnaires developed by the Stop TB Partnership. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and the results were presented in tables. Results: The study recruited a total of 418 PWTB, with 276 (66%) being male and 86 (18.4%) having TB-HIV co-infection. Among the participants, 86 PWTB (20.6%) reported experiencing stigma due to their TB status. The most common settings where PWTB encountered stigma were within their families (50%), communities (36%), and workplaces (10%). Delays in seeking care (16.7%), obtaining an accurate diagnosis (15%), and initiating treatment (27%) were identified as the most common consequences associated with TB-related stigma. Participants' region, age, education level, and type of TB were factors significantly associated with experiencing TB-related stigma. Conclusion: This study revealed a moderate level of TB-related stigma experienced by TB patients, primarily originating from family members, neighbors, and co-workers. Furthermore, the findings emphasized the impact of TB-related stigma on the delay in seeking medical care for TB diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, this study highlights the need for the prompt inclusion of TB stigma reduction strategies in the TB prevention and control program in Tanzania.

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