The limits to patient compliance with directly observed therapy for tuberculosis: a socio-medical study in Pakistan

Factors Associated with Medication Adherence in Elderly Individuals with Tuberculosis: A Qualitative Study

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in two phases, using an integrative literature review and individual interviews. Studies were gathered without time restriction from MEDLINE databases, Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), Google Scholar, Scopus, and EMBASE, as well as national databases, including Scientific Information Database and Magiran. The findings of 38 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed through the conventional content analysis method based on the ecological approach. After reviewing and forming the data matrix, purposive sampling was performed among healthcare professionals, elderly tuberculosis patients aged 60 and over, and family caregivers of elderly patients to conduct individual interviews. Data obtained from 20 interviews were analyzed using the directed content analysis method. After coding, the data from individual interviews were entered based on similarity and difference in the categories of data matrix obtained from the literature review.

Results

In general, the aforementioned codes were placed in four main categories, including individual factors (i.e., biological factors, affective-emotional factors, behavioral factors, cognitive factors, tuberculosis-related factors, and economic factors), interpersonal factors (i.e., patient's relationship with treatment team and family-related factors), factors related to healthcare service provider centers (i.e., medical centers' facilities and capacity building in healthcare service provider), and extraorganizational factors (i.e., social factors and health policymaking).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that medication adherence in elderly patients with tuberculosis was a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. Therefore, society, policymakers, and healthcare providers should scrutinize the factors affecting medication adherence in this group of patients to plan and implement more effective interventions.

Clinical and Psychosocial Determinants of Patients with Tuberculosis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-Infection: A Structural Equation Model Approach

Background

Tuberculosis (TB)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection is a complex mesh of physical and psychosocial disorders that require a multimodal and multifaceted approach for improved outcomes.

Aims

This study determined the treatment outcomes of patients with TB/HIV co-infection and the clinico-psychosocial predictors of the disease over a 10-year period in resource-limited settings.

Patients and Methods

This study reviewed the 10-year retrospective treatment outcomes of patients with TB/HIV co-infection in a tertiary centre. The data were retrieved from the TB treatment registers and analyzed with STATA 16.0. The effects of latent constructs of high clinical severity, stigmatization, and family stress/burden on treatment outcomes were evaluated using a structural equation model.

Results

Of the 1,321 who met the inclusion criteria, 1,193 had sufficient data. The mean age of the patients was 38.2 ± 16.7 years. The treatment adherence rate over the 10 years was 93.8% (±6.8%) but successful treatment outcome was 75.5% (±8.1%). Stigmatism of TB/HIV infections was experienced by adults and males (β = 0.972; P < 0.001 β = 0.674; P < 0.001, β = -0.770; P < 0.001, respectively), non-adherent to treatment (β = -0.460; P < 0.001) clinical severity of illness (β = 0.940; P < 0.001), and being HIV negative (β = -0.770; P < 0.001). Family Stress/Burden was strongly affected by both Death (β = 1.000; P < 0.001) and higher Stigmatism (β = 0.602; P < 0.001). Clinical severity of illness significantly influenced both Death and Unsatisfactory outcomes (β = 0.207; P < 0.001, β = 0.203; P < 0.05, respectively). Non-Adherence led to potentially unsatisfactory outcome.

Conclusion

TB/HIV co-infection is a complex psychosocial disorder that is significantly and negatively impacted by social determinants of the disease. A holistic approach to treatment intervention that addresses the latent factors of stigmatization, family stress/burden, and high clinical severity is key to achieving a successful treatment outcome.

Persistent Discrimination of TB in Southeastern China: Results from Four Repeated Population-Based Surveys During the Period of 2006-2018

Objective

To analyze the changes in discriminatory attitudes and isolated behaviors of the public toward tuberculosis (TB) in the Zhejiang Province and to determine the associated factors with TB discrimination.

Methods

Data were obtained from four cross-sectional population-based investigations from 2006 to 2018. A total of 26,246 respondents were interviewed using unified questionnaires that measured knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding TB. The changes in public attitudes and behaviors towards TB over time were analyzed. The effect of socio-demographic factors and the level of TB awareness on TB discriminatory attitudes and isolated behaviors were evaluated.

Results

The results of these four cross-sectional studies found that TB discrimination had not changed much over the decade. Overall, discriminatory attitudes were present in 63.5% of the respondents who knew about TB (81.2%). Nearly 31.2% of those who reported being surrounded by people with TB (5.8%) showed isolated behaviors. Older respondents, those with a low education level, and farmers were prone to having discriminatory attitudes or behaviors. Those aware of the infectiousness and transmission routes of TB, and those who felt that TB was serious were more likely to discriminate against TB (P < 0.001). Those aware that TB can be cured were non-discriminatory (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.72–0.82).

Conclusion

Discriminatory attitudes and isolated behaviors toward TB have not changed significantly in southeastern China over the survey years, and persistent discrimination against TB still exists among the public. The multiple causes of discrimination cannot be addressed through basic health education. Tailor-made strategies, relevant policy measures, and an enabling social environment for TB are urgently required.

Quantification and correlates of tuberculosis stigma along the tuberculosis testing and treatment cascades in South Africa: a cross-sectional study

Background

South Africa has one of the world’s worst tuberculosis (TB) (520 per 100 000 population) and TB-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics (~ 56% TB/HIV co-infected). While individual- and system-level factors influencing progression along the TB cascade have been identified, the impact of stigma is underexplored and underappreciated. We conducted an exploratory study to 1) describe differences in perceived community-level TB stigma among community members, TB presumptives, and TB patients, and 2) identify factors associated with TB stigma levels among these groups.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted in November 2017 at public health care facilities in Buffalo City Metro (BCM) and Zululand health districts, South Africa. Community members, TB presumptives, and TB patients were recruited. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, TB knowledge, health and clinical history, social support, and both HIV and TB stigma. A validated scale assessing perceived community TB stigma was used. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to describe differences in perceived community TB stigma by participant type and to identify factors associated with TB stigma.

Results

We enrolled 397 participants. On a scale of zero to 24, the mean stigma score for TB presumptives (14.7 ± 4.4) was statistically higher than community members (13.6 ± 4.8) and TB patients (13.3 ± 5.1). Community members from Zululand (β = 5.73; 95% CI 2.19, 9.72) had higher TB stigma compared to those from BCM. Previously having TB (β = − 2.19; 95% CI − 4.37, 0.0064) was associated with reduced TB stigma among community members. Understanding the relationship between HIV and TB disease (β = 2.48; 95% CI 0.020, 4.94), and having low social support (β = − 0.077; 95% CI − 0.14, 0.010) were associated with increased TB stigma among TB presumptives. Among TB Patients, identifying as Black African (β = − 2.90; 95% CI − 4.74, − 1.04) and knowing the correct causes of TB (β = − 2.93; 95% CI − 4.92, − 0.94) were associated with decreased TB stigma, while understanding the relationship between HIV and TB disease (β = 2.48; 95% CI 1.05, 3.90) and higher HIV stigma (β = 0.32; 95% CI 0.21, 0.42) were associated with increased TB stigma.

Conclusions

TB stigma interventions should be developed for TB presumptives, as stigma may increase initial-loss-to-follow up. Given that stigma may be driven by numerous factors throughout the TB cascade, adaptive stigma reduction interventions may be required.

Nonadherence to Antituberculosis Medications: The Impact of Stigma and Depressive Symptoms

Medication nonadherence is common among tuberculosis (TB) patients in China and is of great concern. Herein, we determined the incidence of nonadherence in TB patients in central China and the impact of stigma and depressive symptoms on adherence; these issues are relatively unexplored. A cross-sectional survey was performed, and 1,342 TB patients were recruited from TB dispensaries in three counties in Hubei province using a multistage sampling method. The patients completed structured questionnaires that addressed medication adherence, TB-related stigma, and depressive symptoms. The independent effects of stigma and depressive symptoms on adherence were determined via multinomial logistic regression analysis. The mean medication adherence score was 6.03 ± 1.99. The percentage of TB patients with high, medium, and low medication adherence was 32.12%, 34.58%, and 33.31%, respectively. The impact of stigma and depressive symptoms on medication adherence was significant. TB patients with medium (odds ratios [OR]: 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.21) or high (OR: 5.32, 95% CI: 3.34-8.46) stigma or patients with mild (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.34-2.75) or severe (OR: 3.67, 95% CI: 2.04-6.61) depressive symptoms showed a higher likelihood of having low adherence than those with low stigma or without depressive symptoms. TB-related stigma and depressive symptoms were common among TB patients in China, as was nonadherence, and independently associated with their adherence behavior. Social and psychological interventions that combat stigmatization and depression in TB patients should be adopted and optimized to improve medication adherence.

Exploring Manifestations of TB-Related Stigma Experienced by Women in Kolkata, India

Background:

Stigma associated with tuberculosis (TB) is still common in many societies, contributing to delays in treatment seeking and treatment non-compliance. India has the highest burden of TB in the world with female TB patients bearing a considerable burden of TB-related stigma.

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore the manifestations and consequences of stigma experienced by female TB patients in an urban setting in India and their strategies to cope with the social stigma of TB.

Methods:

Twenty qualitative interviews were conducted with female TB patients who were either currently on treatment or had undergone treatment at a TB clinic in Kolkata, India. Data were coded and analyzed with the NVivo qualitative software using a thematic approach.

Results:

Our results indicated that TB stigma mainly manifested through social isolation and avoidance due to fear of contagion, gossip and verbal abuse, failed marriage prospects, and neglect from family. Consequences of stigma described by the women included non-disclosure, feelings of guilt, and mental health issues including suicidal ideation. Positive coping strategies used by women to cope with the experiences of stigma included positive reframing, prayer, talking to other patients, focusing on school work, and relaxation activities. Negative coping activities included self-imposed social isolation and anger. In some cases, non-disclosure due to stigma had an impact on TB transmission and control behaviors.

Conclusions:

Stigma-reduction strategies, such as community awareness programs and formation of social support groups to dispel the myths and misconceptions associated with TB, may improve TB treatment seeking and adherence.

Acknowledgement:

Our deepest thanks to the Reverend, St. James’ Church, Dr. Ali Akbar Chowdhury (Medical Officer), staff and participants at the Calcutta Diocesan Tuberculosis Relief Trust, without whom this study would not be possible. We also thank Sushmita Mukherjee for help with translations. Lastly, we thank the Sparkman Center for Global Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for providing travel funds for this study.

Exploring Manifestations of TB-Related Stigma Experienced by Women in Kolkata, India

BACKGROUND

Stigma associated with tuberculosis (TB) is still common in many societies, contributing to delays in treatment seeking and treatment non-compliance. India has the highest burden of TB in the world with female TB patients bearing a considerable burden of TB-related stigma. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the manifestations and consequences of stigma experienced by female TB patients in an urban setting in India and their strategies to cope with the social stigma of TB.

METHODS

Twenty qualitative interviews were conducted with female TB patients who were either currently on treatment or had undergone treatment at a TB clinic in Kolkata, India. Data were coded and analyzed with the NVivo qualitative software using a thematic approach.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that TB stigma mainly manifested through social isolation and avoidance due to fear of contagion, gossip and verbal abuse, failed marriage prospects, and neglect from family. Consequences of stigma described by the women included non-disclosure, feelings of guilt, and mental health issues including suicidal ideation. Positive coping strategies used by women to cope with the experiences of stigma included positive reframing, prayer, talking to other patients, focusing on school work, and relaxation activities. Negative coping activities included self-imposed social isolation and anger. In some cases, non-disclosure due to stigma had an impact on TB transmission and control behaviors. Conclusions: Stigma-reduction strategies, such as community awareness programs and formation of social support groups to dispel the myths and misconceptions associated with TB, may improve TB treatment seeking and adherence.Acknowledgement: Our deepest thanks to the Reverend, St. James' Church, Dr. Ali Akbar Chowdhury (Medical Officer), staff and participants at the Calcutta Diocesan Tuberculosis Relief Trust, without whom this study would not be possible. We also thank Sushmita Mukherjee for help with translations. Lastly, we thank the Sparkman Center for Global Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for providing travel funds for this study.

The Mediating Effects of Stigma on Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Tuberculosis: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Objectives: To date, the complex interrelationships between family function, doctor-patient communication, knowledge about tuberculosis (TB), stigma, and depressive symptoms among patients with TB are insufficiently understood. We explored the interrelationships between family function, doctor-patient communication, knowledge about TB, TB-related stigma, and depressive symptoms and examined whether TB-related stigma played a mediating role. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014 in Hubei province, central China. Data were collected from 1,309 patients with TB using a structured questionnaire that measured family function, doctor-patient communication, knowledge about TB, stigma, and depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the interrelationships among the study variables based on the hypothesized model. Results: The proposed model provided a good fit to the obtained data. There were indirect effects between family function, doctor-patient communication, knowledge about TB, and depressive symptoms through stigma (β = -0.048, P = 0.002; β = -0.028, P = 0.001; β = -0.021, P = 0.009, respectively). Stigma partially mediated the effect of family function and knowledge about TB on depressive symptoms and fully mediated the effect of doctor-patient communication on depressive symptoms. Conclusions: This study elucidated the pathways linking family function, doctor-patient communication, and knowledge about TB to depressive symptoms and confirmed that the effect of those variables on depressive symptoms can be mediated by stigma. Those findings provide direction and information for depression interventions among patients with TB.

Status of tuberculosis-related stigma and associated factors: a cross-sectional study in central China

OBJECTIVES

Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant challenge to public health worldwide. Stigma is a major obstacle to TB control by leading to delay in diagnosis and treatment non-adherence. This study aimed to evaluate the status of TB-related stigma and its associated factors among TB patients in China.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey. Thus, 1342 TB patients were recruited from TB dispensaries in three counties in Hubei Province using a multistage sampling method and surveyed using a structured anonymous questionnaire including validated scales to measure TB-related stigma. A generalised linear regression model was used to identify the factors associated with TB-related stigma.

RESULTS

The average score on the TB-related Stigma Scale was 9.33 (SD = 4.25). Generalised linear regression analysis revealed that knowledge about TB (ß = -0.18, P = 0.0025), family function (ß = -0.29, P < 0.0001) and doctor-patient communication (ß = -0.32, P = 0.0005) were negatively associated with TB-related stigma.

CONCLUSIONS

TB-related stigma was high among TB patients in China. Interventions concentrating on reducing TB patients' stigma in China should focus on improving patients' family function and patients' knowledge about TB.

ENDOGAMY, CONSANGUINITY AND THE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF CHANGING MARITAL CHOICES IN THE UK PAKISTANI COMMUNITY

The biraderi (brotherhood) is a long-established, widely prevalent dimension of social stratification in Pakistani communities worldwide. Alongside consanguinity, it offers a route for cementing social solidarities and so has strong socio-biological significance. A detailed breakdown of biraderi affiliation among participants in an ongoing birth cohort study in the northern English city of Bradford is presented. There is historical resilience of intra-biraderi marriage, but with a secular decline in prevalence across all biraderi and considerable reductions in some. While a majority of marriages in all biraderi are consanguineous the prevalence varies, ranging from over 80% to under 60%. In consanguineous unions, first cousin marriages account for more than 50% in five of the fifteen biraderi and >40% in six others. Within-biraderi marriage and consanguinity enhance genetic stratification, thereby increasing rates of genomic homozygosity and the increased expression of recessive genetic disorders. The trends reported constitute putative signals of generational change in the marital choices in this community.

Stigma against Tuberculosis Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Stigma attached to tuberculosis contributes to the limited effectiveness of current TB control approaches. However, there is a dearth of studies that explore the causes of stigma attached to tuberculosis and its effects on patients and tuberculosiscontrol programs in Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based qualitative study was conducted at St. Peter Tuberculosis Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from July to August, 2015. Ten in-depth interviews and 6 key-informant interviews were carried out among tuberculosis patients and healthcare workers, respectively.The Open Code computer software package was used to analyze the data thematically.

Results

The study revealed that fear of infection and inappropriate health education messages by media were the main causes of tuberculosis stigma. The patients experienced isolation within their family and community, separation, and financial crisis. The stigma attached to tuberculosis may contribute to delayed healthcare seeking, poor treatment adherence, and poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Interventions thatreduce the stigma attached to tuberculosis should target on areas, such as creating community awareness, patient counseling on problem-solving and emotional skills, preparing culturally sensitive and scientifically sound media messages, providing financial support for the patients, and enhancing the qualities of the healthcare workers, such as empathy, concern, respect for the patient and cultural sensitivity.

CONSANGUINITY, GENETICS AND DEFINITIONS OF KINSHIP IN THE UK PAKISTANI POPULATION

Consanguineous marriage is a controversial topic in many Western societies, with attention mainly focused on the health of immigrant communities from Asia and Africa. In the UK consanguinity is especially prevalent in the Pakistani community, which now numbers over 1.1 million. Less attention has been paid to the influence of hereditary population stratification within Pakistani communities, in particular biraderi (literally brotherhood) membership, which denotes male lineages that largely govern marriage partner choice and hence the transmission of disease genes. The various roles played by biraderi and their relationship to other socio-occupational and kinship terms, such as caste, quom and zat, are often overlooked in health-based studies. The interchangeable use of these different kinship terms without rigorous definition can create identity uncertainty and hinders inter-study comparisons. Where feasible, standardization of terminology would be both desirable and beneficial, with biraderi the preferred default term to identify specific social and genetic relationships within the Pakistani diaspora.

Cost-effectiveness of novel vaccines for tuberculosis control: a decision analysis study

BACKGROUND

The development of a successful new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine would circumvent many limitations of current diagnostic and treatment practices. However, vaccine development is complex and costly. We aimed to assess the potential cost effectiveness of novel vaccines for TB control in a sub-Saharan African country--Zambia--relative to the existing strategy of directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) and current level of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination coverage.

METHODS

We conducted a decision analysis model-based simulation from the societal perspective, with a 3% discount rate and all costs expressed in 2007 US dollars. Health outcomes and costs were projected over a 30-year period, for persons born in Zambia (population 11,478,000 in 2005) in year 1. Initial development costs for single vaccination and prime-boost strategies were prorated to the Zambian share (0.398%) of global BCG vaccine coverage for newborns. Main outcome measures were TB-related morbidity, mortality, and costs over a range of potential scenarios for vaccine efficacy.

RESULTS

Relative to the status quo strategy, a BCG replacement vaccine administered at birth, with 70% efficacy in preventing rapid progression to TB disease after initial infection, is estimated to avert 932 TB cases and 422 TB-related deaths (prevention of 199 cases/100,000 vaccinated, and 90 deaths/100,000 vaccinated). This would result in estimated net savings of $3.6 million over 30 years for 468,073 Zambians born in year 1 of the simulation. The addition of a booster at age 10 results in estimated savings of $5.6 million compared to the status quo, averting 1,863 TB cases and 1,011 TB-related deaths (prevention of 398 cases/100,000 vaccinated, and of 216 deaths/100,000 vaccinated). With vaccination at birth alone, net savings would be realized within 1 year, whereas the prime-boost strategy would require an additional 5 years to realize savings, reflecting a greater initial development cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Investment in an improved TB vaccine is predicted to result in considerable cost savings, as well as a reduction in TB morbidity and TB-related mortality, when added to existing control strategies. For a vaccine with waning efficacy, a prime-boost strategy is more cost-effective in the long term.

A qualitative review: the stigma of tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis is a major health problem internationally and brings with it a range of physical, economic and social consequences. There is a stigma associated with having tuberculosis because the disease is commonly viewed as a 'dirty disease'. This stigma can have a negative impact on an individual and may delay the person seeking treatment.

AIMS

The aim of this review was to explore the stigma and impact of having tuberculosis or having a family member with tuberculosis.

DESIGN

Literature review.

METHOD

A comprehensive search of the electronic databases was undertaken. Inclusion criteria for the review were studies that investigated people with tuberculosis or their families, focused on the stigma or impact of tuberculosis and reported descriptions of the experience. Data were synthesised using a thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The literature search identified thirty studies. Three themes emerged from the synthesis: shame, isolation and fear. The shame related to tuberculosis being viewed as a bad disease, a dirty disease. Isolation involved both the withdrawal from social contact and the shunning of contact by other people. Fear was a consequence of the many difficulties that accompany tuberculosis. These factors operated at three levels, on the individual level, the family level and the societal level.

CONCLUSION

The stigma that accompanies tuberculosis can have a negative impact on the individual and family and may result in their withdrawal from society because of shame and fear. The review highlights the need for education to provide practical strategies for individuals and families and to educate communities where tuberculosis is endemic. Relevance to clinical practice.  The review highlights the widespread ignorance of tuberculosis and need for education of the individual, family and community. This education should provide practical strategies to help people cope with tuberculosis. It also suggests that ensuring confidentiality should be an important component of management strategies.

Tuberculosis and stigmatization: pathways and interventions

The institutional and community norms that lead to the stigmatization of tuberculosis (TB) are thought to hinder TB control. We performed a systematic review of the literature on TB stigma to identify the causes and evaluate the impact of stigma on TB diagnosis and treatment. Several themes emerged: fear of infection is the most common cause of TB stigma; TB stigma has serious socioeconomic consequences, particularly for women; qualitative approaches to measuring TB stigma are more commonly utilized than quantitative surveys; TB stigma is perceived to increase TB diagnostic delay and treatment noncompliance, although attempts to quantify its impact have produced mixed results; and interventions exist that may reduce TB stigma. Future research should continue to characterize TB stigma in different populations; use validated survey instruments to quantify the impact of TB stigma on TB diagnostic delay, treatment compliance, and morbidity and mortality; and develop additional TB stigma-reduction strategies.

Integrated Management of Physician-delivered Alcohol Care for Tuberculosis Patients: Design and Implementation

BACKGROUND

While the integration of alcohol screening, treatment, and referral in primary care and other medical settings in the U.S. and worldwide has been recognized as a key health care priority, it is not routinely done. In spite of the high co-occurrence and excess mortality associated with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among individuals with tuberculosis (TB), there are no studies evaluating effectiveness of integrating alcohol care into routine treatment for this disorder.

METHODS

We designed and implemented a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine the effectiveness of integrating pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments for AUDs into routine medical care for TB in the Tomsk Oblast Tuberculosis Service (TOTBS) in Tomsk, Russia. Eligible patients are diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence, are newly diagnosed with TB, and initiating treatment in the TOTBS with Directly Observed Therapy-Short Course (DOTS) for TB. Utilizing a factorial design, the Integrated Management of Physician-delivered Alcohol Care for Tuberculosis Patients (IMPACT) study randomizes eligible patients who sign informed consent into 1 of 4 study arms: (1) Oral Naltrexone + Brief Behavioral Compliance Enhancement Therapy (BBCET) + treatment as usual (TAU), (2) Brief Counseling Intervention (BCI) + TAU, (3) Naltrexone + BBCET + BCI + TAU, or (4) TAU alone.

RESULTS

Utilizing an iterative, collaborative approach, a multi-disciplinary U.S. and Russian team has implemented a model of alcohol management that is culturally appropriate to the patient and TB physician community in Russia. Implementation to date has achieved the integration of routine alcohol screening into TB care in Tomsk; an ethnographic assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of AUD management among TB physicians in Tomsk; translation and cultural adaptation of the BCI to Russia and the TB setting; and training and certification of TB physicians to deliver oral naltrexone and brief counseling interventions for alcohol abuse and dependence as part of routine TB care. The study is successfully enrolling eligible subjects in the RCT to evaluate the relationship of integrating effective pharmacotherapy and brief behavioral intervention on TB and alcohol outcomes, as well as reduction in HIV risk behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

The IMPACT study utilizes an innovative approach to adapt 2 effective therapies for treatment of alcohol use disorders to the TB clinical services setting in the Tomsk Oblast, Siberia, Russia, and to train TB physicians to deliver state of the art alcohol pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments as an integrated part of routine TB care. The proposed treatment strategy could be applied elsewhere in Russia and in other settings where TB control is jeopardized by AUDs. If demonstrated to be effective, this model of integrating alcohol interventions into routine TB care has the potential for expanded applicability to other chronic co-occurring infectious and other medical conditions seen in medical care settings.

'We are afraid of them': attitudes and behaviours of community members towards tuberculosis in Ghana and implications for TB control efforts

One major set back to the success of TB control globally is the stigma attached to the disease in most societies. This article explores community's understanding of, and attitudes and behaviours towards TB and examines the implications for disease control efforts. Individual in-depth interviews and focus groups were held with community members and the generated data analysed using Grounded Theory techniques and procedures. At the core of feelings towards TB in the community is the fear of infection leading to imposition of socio-physical distance and participatory restrictions on those suffering from the disease. Because of fear of infection, most of the community members were of the view that TB patients should not be part of the society and said they will not marry a TB patient or encourage any family member to enter such a relationship. They also pointed out that TB patients should not sell in the community and would not be allowed to represent them at any public function because they can infect others. Whenever it becomes unavoidable for the community members to interact with someone with TB, they indicated that they would cover their mouth with a handkerchief, turn their head or sit in the opposite direction of the wind from the TB patient to avoid inhaling the air. When a TB patient joins the community members at any function, he/she is expected to abide by certain 'codes of conduct'. The stigmatising attitudes and behaviours of the community members towards the disease and its sufferers may lead individuals with very obvious signs and symptoms of TB to attribute it to other non-stigmatising conditions or hide the diagnosis from others as well as default from treatment.

Listening to those on the frontline: Lessons for community-based tuberculosis programmes from a qualitative study in Swaziland

This study explored the experience of people involved in a new community-based tuberculosis (TB) programme in rural Swaziland. Patients have their treatment observed in the community after choosing a treatment supporter (either community health worker or family member) in dialogue with the TB nurse. Interviews were conducted with TB patients, treatment supporters, clinic nurses, nurses working in the hospital-based TB team and medical staff. The study generated two main themes: (1) issues relating to the TB programme and (2) wider societal issues. Both are important, however this paper reports only the issues directly related to the TB programme. The study found that community-based care is preferred to hospital care, which should be retained only for the very ill patients. The importance of selecting suitable patients and ensuring individualised and flexible arrangements was highlighted. Although treatment outcomes are known to have improved since introducing the new TB programme a number of issues require further attention. Communication between different levels of the health service needs to be improved and consultation communication skills, taught prior to introducing the programme, need to be refreshed. All relevant staff must be trained on the TB programme and patient education (on TB, HIV and treatment adherence) needs to be reinforced throughout TB treatment. Health education of the wider community is also needed. Ongoing support of treatment supporters must recognise that their role is not simply treatment observation. In this context, where the large majority of TB patients are HIV positive, better co-ordination with the HIV/AIDS services is required, including treatment of other HIV-related infections and home-based care for TB patients who deteriorate. Although the findings and recommendations of this study are context specific they are likely to be of relevance to other programmes.

Cultural feasibility assessment of tuberculosis prevention among persons of Haitian origin in South Florida

A cultural feasibility study was conducted among persons of Haitian origin in South Florida to identify factors which might influence utilization of screening and treatment services for latent tuberculosis infection in this population. Five focus group interviews conducted among men and women explored cultural beliefs and practices related to TB, barriers and incentives to screening, and approaches to increasing treatment adherence. Key findings include the influence of social stigma and fears related to confidentiality of medical status as disincentives to screening. Cultural sensitivity to being labeled as a high risk group for these infections also emerged as a critical variable. Community-based approaches to health education for this population are described. Study recommendations include the planning of programs based on a service delivery model that stresses respect and personal attention to clients, improved interpersonal skills of health center staff, and coordination of services between private doctors and public health agencies.