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Soepnel LM, Norris SA, Mabetha K, Motlhatlhedi M, Nkosi N, Lye S, Draper CE. A qualitative analysis of community health worker perspectives on the implementation of the preconception and pregnancy phases of the Bukhali randomised controlled trial. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002578. [PMID: 38483881 PMCID: PMC10939222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) play an important role in health systems in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa. Bukhali is a CHW-delivered intervention as part of a randomised controlled trial, to improve the health trajectories of young women in Soweto, South Africa. This study aimed to qualitatively explore factors influencing implementation of the preconception and pregnancy phases of Bukhali, from the perspective of the CHWs (Health Helpers, HHs) delivering the intervention. As part of the Bukhali trial process evaluation, three focus group discussions were conducted with the 13 HHs employed by the trial. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data, drawing on elements of a reflexive thematic and codebook approach. The following six themes were developed, representing factors impacting implementation of the HH roles: interaction with the existing public healthcare sector; participant perceptions of health; health literacy and language barriers; participants' socioeconomic constraints; family, partner, and community views of trial components; and the HH-participant relationship. HHs reported uses of several trial-based tools to overcome implementation challenges, increasing their ability to implement their roles as planned. The relationship of trust between the HH and participants seemed to function as one important mechanism for impact. The findings supported a number of adaptations to the implementation of Bukhali, such as intensified trial-based follow-up of referrals that do not receive management at clinics, continued HH training and community engagement parallel to trial implementation, with an increased emphasis on health-related stigma and education. HH perspectives on intervention implementation highlighted adaptations across three broad strategic areas: navigating and bridging healthcare systems, adaptability to individual participant needs, and navigating stigma around disease. These findings provide recommendations for the next phases of Bukhali, for other CHW-delivered preconception and pregnancy trials, and for the strengthening of CHW roles in clinical settings with similar implementation challenges. Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry; PACTR201903750173871, Registered March 27, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larske M. Soepnel
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shane A. Norris
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Khuthala Mabetha
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Molebogeng Motlhatlhedi
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nokuthula Nkosi
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephen Lye
- Department of Physiology and Medicine, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Catherine E. Draper
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Oo HS, Borry P. Contact investigation in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: ethical challenges. Monash Bioeth Rev 2024:10.1007/s40592-024-00188-0. [PMID: 38430345 DOI: 10.1007/s40592-024-00188-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Contact investigation is an evidence-based intervention of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) to protect public health by interrupting the chain of transmission. In pursuit of contact investigation, patients' MDR-TB status has to be disclosed to third parties (to the minimum necessary) for tracing the contacts. Nevertheless, disclosure to third parties often unintentionally leads the MDR-TB patients suffered from social discrimination and stigma. For this reason, patients are less inclined to reveal their MDR-TB status and becomes a significant issue in contact investigation. This issue certainly turns into a negative impact on the public interest. Tension between keeping MDR-TB status confidential and safeguarding public health arises in relation to this issue. Regarding MDR-TB management, patient compliance with treatment and contact investigation are equally important. Patients might fail to comply with anti-TB therapy and be reluctant to seek healthcare due to disclosure concerns. In order to have treatment adherence, MDRTB patients should not live through social discrimination and stigma arising from disclosure and TB team has a duty to support them as a mean of reciprocity. However, implementation of contact investigation as a public health policy can still be challenging even with promising reciprocal support to the patients because MDR-TB patients are living in different contexts and situations. There can be no straight forward settlement but an appropriate justification for each distinct context is needed to strike a balance between individual confidentiality and public interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hnin Si Oo
- Master of Bioethics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Sparg T, Petersen L, Mayers P, Rogers C. South African adolescents' lived experiences of acquired hearing loss following multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2024; 5:1336346. [PMID: 38469378 PMCID: PMC10925655 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1336346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Objective The impact of acquiring hearing loss might be exacerbated during adolescence, as this normal transition from childhood to adulthood is characterised by identity construction and social intensity. This study aimed to describe the lived experiences of South African adolescents with acquired hearing loss following aminoglycoside treatment for multidrug resistant tuberculosis. Design The study adopted a descriptive phenomenological design and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in English, isiZulu and Afrikaans. The data was managed and analysed according to a modified version of Hycner's framework. Study sample Six participants aged 16-24 years with bilateral, mild to profound hearing loss acquired from aminoglycoside treatment were recruited from two South African provinces. Results Three themes emerged which created a triple burden for participants. They endured socio-economic hardship encompassing limited economic and emotional support. Participants battled the consequences of life-threatening MDR-TB including illness, hospitalisation, stigma, and other challenges. Finally, participants were left with life-changing hearing loss. Conclusion The findings indicate the necessity of holistic management of adolescents with aminoglycoside-related acquired hearing loss and serves as motivation to improve ototoxic monitoring practices and patient uptake of monitoring services and calls for the cessation, or at least cautious use, of aminoglycosides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarryn Sparg
- Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucretia Petersen
- Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pat Mayers
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christine Rogers
- Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Rasweswe MM, Kgatla NM, Ramavhoya IT, Mulaudzi FM. Ubuntu Is a Critical Component in the Fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Tuberculosis Stigma: Nursing Students' Perceptions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:229. [PMID: 38397718 PMCID: PMC10889040 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Stigma is one of the documented barriers to achieving universal access to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) prevention, treatment, care, and support programs. The lack of African social theories to emphasize these issues may be the cause of the continent's failure to reduce stigma. We can use Ubuntu, an African philosophy that emphasizes sociability and ethics, to deepen our understanding of how to reduce HIV- and TB-related stigma in South Africa. In many African regions, Ubuntu values and principles were found to assist in reducing problems related to HIV. Ubuntu is a comprehensive phrase used by Africans to signify the characteristics that incorporate the core human virtues of compassion and humanity. We explored the perceptions of nursing students regarding the use of Ubuntu in the fight against HIV and TB stigma. Qualitative participatory research was used to engage all first- and second-level nursing students enrolled for the 2023 academic year at the selected university in South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants. An interactive workshop was used to gather data. The data from the recordings and flip charts were analysed together. Throughout the study, trustworthiness and ethical principles were upheld. Two primary themes emerged as expressions of Ubuntu in relation to a reduction in HIV and TB stigma and recognition of Ubuntu as a tool to combat stigma associated with HIV and TB. This confirms that within Ubuntu, there are elements that might be applied to reduce stigma attached to HIV and TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melitah Molatelo Rasweswe
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Limpopo, Private Bag x1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; (N.M.K.); (I.T.R.)
| | - Nancy Mamoeng Kgatla
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Limpopo, Private Bag x1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; (N.M.K.); (I.T.R.)
| | - Irene Thifhelimbilu Ramavhoya
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Limpopo, Private Bag x1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; (N.M.K.); (I.T.R.)
| | - Fhumulani Mavis Mulaudzi
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x323, Arcadia 0007, South Africa;
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Hayward SE, Vanqa N, Makanda G, Tisile P, Ngwatyu L, Foster I, Mcinziba A, Biewer A, Mbuyamba R, Galloway M, Bunyula S, Westhuizen HM, Friedland JS, Marino-Medina A, Viljoen L, Schoeman I, Hoddinott G, Nathavitharana RR. "As a patient I do not belong to the clinic, I belong to the community." Co-developing a multi-level, person-centred tuberculosis stigma intervention in Cape Town, South Africa. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3921970. [PMID: 38405783 PMCID: PMC10889064 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3921970/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Anticipated, internal, and enacted stigma are major barriers to TB care engagement, and directly impact patient well-being. Unfortunately, targeted stigma interventions are lacking. We aimed to co-develop a person-centred stigma intervention with TB-affected community members and health workers in South Africa. Methods Using a community-based participatory research approach, we conducted ten group discussions with people diagnosed with TB (past or present), caregivers, and health workers (total n=87) in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Group discussions were facilitated by TB survivors. Discussion guides explored experiences and drivers of stigma and used human-centred design principles to co-develop solutions. Recordings were transcribed, coded, thematically analysed and then further interpreted using the socio-ecological model. Results Intervention components across socio-ecological levels shared common behaviour change strategies, namely education, empowerment, engagement, and innovation. At the individual level, participants recommended counselling to improve TB knowledge and provide ongoing support. TB survivors can guide messaging to nurture stigma resilience by highlighting that TB can affect anyone and is curable, and provide lived experiences of TB to decrease internal stigma. At the interpersonal level, support clubs and family-centred counselling were suggested to dispel TB-related myths and foster support. At the institutional level, health worker stigma reduction training informed by TB survivor perspectives was recommended. Consideration of how integration of TB/HIV care services may exacerbate TB/HIV intersectional stigma and ideas for restructured service delivery models were suggested to decrease anticipated and enacted stigma. At the community level, participants recommended awareness-raising events led by TB survivors, including TB information in school curricula. At the policy level, solutions focused on reducing the visibility generated by a TB diagnosis and resultant stigma in health facilities and shifting tasks to community health workers. Conclusions Decreasing TB stigma requires a multi-level approach. Co-developing a person-centred intervention with affected communities is feasible and generates stigma intervention components that are directed and implementable. Such community-informed intervention components should be prioritised by TB programs, including integrated TB/HIV care services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amanda Biewer
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
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DeSanto D, Velen K, Lessells R, Makgopa S, Gumede D, Fielding K, Grant AD, Charalambous S, Chetty-Makkan CM. A qualitative exploration into the presence of TB stigmatization across three districts in South Africa. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:504. [PMID: 36922792 PMCID: PMC10017062 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) stigma is a barrier to active case finding and delivery of care in fighting the TB epidemic. As part of a project exploring different models for delivery of TB contact tracing, we conducted a qualitative analysis to explore the presence of TB stigma within communities across South Africa. METHODS We conducted 43 in-depth interviews with 31 people with TB and 12 household contacts as well as five focus group discussions with 40 ward-based team members and 11 community stakeholders across three South African districts. RESULTS TB stigma is driven and facilitated by fear of disease coupled with an understanding of TB/HIV duality and manifests as anticipated and internalized stigma. Individuals are marked with TB stigma verbally through gossip and visually through symptomatic identification or when accessing care in either TB-specific areas in health clinics or though ward-based outreach teams. Individuals' unique understanding of stigma influences how they seek care. CONCLUSION TB stigma contributes to suboptimal case finding and care at the community level in South Africa. Interventions to combat stigma, such as community and individual education campaigns on TB treatment and transmission as well as the training of health care workers on stigma and stigmatization are needed to prevent discrimination and protect patient confidentiality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel DeSanto
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Richard Lessells
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, TB Centre, London, UK
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation & Sequencing Platform, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Dumile Gumede
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Centre for General Education, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Katherine Fielding
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, TB Centre, London, UK
| | - Alison D Grant
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, TB Centre, London, UK
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salome Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Candice M Chetty-Makkan
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Wits Health Consortium, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Audet CM, Seabi T, Ngobeni S, Berhanu RH, Wagner RG. Pulmonary tuberculosis vs. Tindzhaka and Mafularha: A mixed methods inquiry of traditional healers' perceptions of tuberculosis in rural South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001611. [PMID: 37083848 PMCID: PMC10121049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Although awareness of tuberculosis (TB) is high in South Africa, delays in TB testing or treatment persist. Even those with symptoms of TB often delay testing, with one study in Mpumalanga revealing a median allopathic care-seeking delay of four weeks. We sought to understand how traditional healers perceived TB symptoms among their patients, if they treated the disease, and what (if any) illnesses they defined as being traditional may have overlapping presentation with TB in South Africa. Nineteen traditional healers completed an in-depth interview (IDIs); 133 completed a quantitative survey about their treatment practices. IDIs focused on lung diseases treated, disease causation, treatment, and prognosis. Survey questions investigated diagnosis of lung ailments, including those treated by the allopathic health system and those by traditional healers. Traditional healers reported that they could differentiate between TB and traditional illnesses, like Tindzhaka and Mafularha, that presented with similar symptoms. Few (7.5%) believed they could treat TB, but the majority (72.9%) believed they could successfully treat Tindzhaka and Mafularha. Tindzhaka and Mafularha are interconnected illnesses that are reportedly caused by breaking social rules around death, sex and using the belongings of someone who recently passed away. Both, if not treated, are considered fatal. While we have no definitive data, traditional healers may be contributing to delays in the diagnosis and treatment for people with active TB by incorrectly diagnosing TB as Tindzhaka or Mafularha. Overcoming issues of trust and compensation, while respecting different forms of knowledge, are some of the challenges we face in successfully engaging with healers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Tshegofatso Seabi
- MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sizzy Ngobeni
- MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rebecca H Berhanu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Ryan G Wagner
- MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Wouters E, Stek C, Swartz A, Buyze J, Schutz C, Thienemann F, Wilkinson RJ, Meintjes G, Lynen L, Nöstlinger C. Prednisone for the prevention of tuberculosis-associated IRIS (randomized controlled trial): Impact on the health-related quality of life. Front Psychol 2022; 13:983028. [PMID: 36275235 PMCID: PMC9581134 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.983028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is an important complication in patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB) starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa. The PredART-trial recently showed that prophylactic prednisone reduces the incidence of paradoxical TB-IRIS by 30% in a population at high risk. This paper reports the impact of the intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a secondary endpoint of the trial, measured by an amended version of the PROQOL-HIV instrument—the instrument’s validity and reliability is also assessed. Methods A total of 240 adult participants (antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve, TB-HIV co-infected with CD4 count ≤100 cells/μL) were recruited and randomized (1:1) to (1) a prednisone arm or (2) a placebo arm. In this sub-study of the PredART-trial we evaluated (1) the performance of an HIV-specific HR-QoL instrument amended for TB-IRIS, i.e., the PROQOL-HIV/TB in patients with HIV-associated TB starting ART (reliability, internal and external construct validity and invariance across time) and (2) the impact of prednisone on self-reported HR-QoL in this population through mixed models. Results The PROQOL-HIV/TB scale displayed acceptable internal reliability and good internal and external validity. This instrument, including the factor structure with the eight sub-dimensions, can thus be applied for measuring HR-QoL among HIV-TB patients at high risk for TB-IRIS. Prophylactic prednisone was statistically significantly associated only with the ‘Physical Health and Symptoms’-subscale: a four-week course of prednisone resulted in an earlier improvement in the physical dimension of HR-QoL compared to placebo. Conclusion We demonstrated that the PROQOL-HIV/TB scale adequately measures different aspects of self-reported HR-QoL in HIV-TB patients. Although more research is needed to understand how other domains related to HR-QoL can be improved, targeting patients at high risk for developing TB-IRIS with a four-week course of prednisone has a beneficial effect on the physical aspects of patient-reported quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Wouters
- Centre for Population, Family & Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Edwin Wouters,
| | - Cari Stek
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alison Swartz
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jozefien Buyze
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Schutz
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Friedrich Thienemann
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert J. Wilkinson
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Nuttall C, Fuady A, Nuttall H, Dixit K, Mansyur M, Wingfield T. Interventions pathways to reduce tuberculosis-related stigma: a literature review and conceptual framework. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:101. [PMID: 36138434 PMCID: PMC9502609 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-01021-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma is vital to achieving the World Health Organisation's End TB Strategy target of eliminating TB. However, the process and impact evaluation of interventions to reduce TB-stigma are limited. This literature review aimed to examine the quality, design, implementation challenges, and successes of TB-stigma intervention studies and create a novel conceptual framework of pathways to TB-stigma reduction. METHOD We searched relevant articles recorded in four scientific databases from 1999 to 2022, using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, supplemented by the snowball method and complementary grey literature searches. We assessed the quality of studies using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool, then reviewed study characteristics, data on stigma measurement tools used, and interventions implemented, and designed a conceptual framework to illustrate the pathways to TB-stigma reduction in the interventions identified. RESULTS Of 14,259 articles identified, eleven met inclusion criteria, of which three were high quality. TB-stigma reduction interventions consisted mainly of education and psychosocial support targeted predominantly toward three key populations: people with TB, healthcare workers, and the public. No psychosocial interventions for people with TB set TB-stigma reduction as their primary or co-primary aim. Eight studies on healthcare workers and the public reported a decrease in TB-stigma attributed to the interventions. Despite the benefits, the interventions were limited by a dearth of validated stigma measurement tools. Three of eight studies with quantitative stigma measurement questionnaires had not been previously validated among people with TB. No qualitative studies used previously validated methods or tools to qualitatively evaluate stigma. On the basis of these findings, we generated a conceptual framework that mapped the population targeted, interventions delivered, and their potential effects on reducing TB-stigma towards and experienced by people with TB and healthcare workers involved in TB care. CONCLUSIONS Interpretation of the limited evidence on interventions to reduce TB-stigma is hampered by the heterogeneity of stigma measurement tools, intervention design, and outcome measures. Our novel conceptual framework will support mapping of the pathways to impacts of TB-stigma reduction interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Nuttall
- grid.10025.360000 0004 1936 8470Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ahmad Fuady
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, 10310 Jakarta, Indonesia
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Primary Health Care Research and Innovation Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, 10430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Holly Nuttall
- grid.10025.360000 0004 1936 8470Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kritika Dixit
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Social Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Migration (SIM) Group, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, 10653 Stockholm, Sweden
- Birat Nepal Medical Trust, Lazimpat Road, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, 44600 Nepal
| | - Muchtaruddin Mansyur
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, 10310 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tom Wingfield
- grid.10025.360000 0004 1936 8470Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Social Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Migration (SIM) Group, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, 10653 Stockholm, Sweden
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Departments of International Public Health and Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
- grid.513149.bTropical and Infectious Disease Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, L7 8XP UK
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10
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Sullivan A, Nathavitharana RR. Addressing TB-related mortality in adults living with HIV: a review of the challenges and potential solutions. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2022; 9:20499361221084163. [PMID: 35321342 PMCID: PMC8935406 DOI: 10.1177/20499361221084163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death in people living with HIV (PLHIV) globally, causing 208,000 deaths in PLHIV in 2019. PLHIV have an 18-fold higher risk of TB, and HIV/TB mortality is highest in inpatient facilities, compared with primary care and community settings. Here we discuss challenges and potential mitigating solutions to address TB-related mortality in adults with HIV. Key factors that affect healthcare engagement are stigma, knowledge, and socioeconomic constraints, which are compounded in people with HIV/TB co-infection. Innovative approaches to improve healthcare engagement include optimizing HIV/TB care integration and interventions to reduce stigma. While early diagnosis of both HIV and TB can reduce mortality, barriers to early diagnosis of TB in PLHIV include difficulty producing sputum specimens, lower sensitivity of TB diagnostic tests in PLHIV, and higher rates of extra pulmonary TB. There is an urgent need to develop higher sensitivity biomarker-based tests that can be used for point-of-care diagnosis. Nonetheless, the implementation and scale-up of existing tests including molecular World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended diagnostic tests and urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) should be optimized along with expanded TB screening with tools such as C-reactive protein and digital chest radiography. Decreased survival of PLHIV with TB disease is more likely with late HIV diagnosis and delayed start of antiretroviral (ART) treatment. The WHO now recommends starting ART within 2 weeks of initiating TB treatment in the majority of PLHIV, aside from those with TB meningitis. Dedicated TB treatment trials focused on PLHIV are needed, including interventions to improve TB meningitis outcomes given its high mortality, such as the use of intensified regimens using high-dose rifampin, new and repurposed drugs such as linezolid, and immunomodulatory therapy. Ultimately holistic, high-quality, person-centered care is needed for PLHIV with TB throughout the cascade of care, which should address biomedical, socioeconomic, and psychological barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Sullivan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruvandhi R. Nathavitharana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Alao MA, Ibrahim OR, Chan YH. Clinical and Psychosocial Determinants of Patients with Tuberculosis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-Infection: A Structural Equation Model Approach. Niger J Clin Pract 2022; 25:105-109. [PMID: 35046203 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_466_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Alao
- Department of Paediatrics, Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; Bowen University College of Medicine Iwo, Osun State; University College Hospital Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - O R Ibrahim
- Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Kastina, Katsina State, Nigeria
| | - Y H Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Bergman A, Farley JE, Agarwalla V, Relf M. Reframing Intersectional Stigma for a South African Context Integrating Tuberculosis, HIV and Poverty Stigmas. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2022; 33:22-32. [PMID: 34939985 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Intersectionality is closely intertwined with Black feminism within the context of the United States. As a result, intersectionality is often overlooked in non-Western contexts where racial homogeneity may reduce some of the impact of race on marginalization. This article will look at intersectional stigma from the South African context using the tuberculosis/HIV (TB/HIV) treatment environment in South Africa to exemplify intersectionality's versatility as an analytic method outside of the United States. We will use colonial history and contemporary research to reframe intersectionality considering a new set of stigmatized identities, including HIV stigma, TB stigma, and poverty stigma, to create a situation-specific framework adapted from a model by Bulent Turan and colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanna Bergman
- Alanna Bergman, MSN, AGNP-BC, AAHIVS, is a PhD Student, Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Jason E. Farley, PhD, MPH, ANP-BC, AACRN, FAAN, FAANP, is a Professor at Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Vidisha Agarwalla, MA, is a Social Design Associate, Johns Hopkins University in the PROMOTE Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Michael Relf, PhD, RN, AACRN, ACNS-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, is the Associate Dean, Global and Community Health Affairs, Duke University, School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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13
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Schausberger B, Mmema N, Dlamini V, Dube L, Aung A, Kerschberger B, Ciglenecki I, Vambe D, Mukooza E, Wringe A. "We have to learn to cooperate with each other": a qualitative study to explore integration of traditional healers into the provision of HIV self-testing and tuberculosis screening in Eswatini. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1314. [PMID: 34872563 PMCID: PMC8648147 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07323-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional healing plays an important role in healthcare in Eswatini, and innovative collaborations with traditional healers may enable hard-to-reach men to access HIV and tuberculosis diagnostic services. This study explored attitudes towards integration of traditional healers into the provision of HIV self-testing kits and sputum collection containers. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in 2019-2020 in Shiselweni region, Eswatini. Eight male traditional healers were trained on HIV and tuberculosis care including distribution of HIV self-testing kits and sputum collection containers. Attitudes towards the intervention were elicited through in-depth interviews with the eight traditional healers, ten clients, five healthcare workers and seven focus group discussions with community members. Interviews and group discussions were conducted in SiSwati, audio-recorded, translated and transcribed into English. Data were coded inductively and analysed thematically. RESULTS 81 HIV self-testing kits and 24 sputum collection containers were distributed by the healers to 99 clients, with 14% of participants reporting a reactive HIV self-test result. The distribution of sputum containers did not result in any tuberculosis diagnoses, as samples were refused at health centres. Traditional healers perceived themselves as important healthcare providers, and after training, were willing and able to distribute HIV self-test kits and sputum containers to clients. Many saw themselves as peers who could address barriers to health-seeking among Swazi men that reflected hegemonic masculinities and patriarchal attitudes. Traditional healers were considered to provide services that were private, flexible, efficient and non-judgemental, although some clients and community members expressed concerns over confidentiality breaches. Attitudes among health workers were mixed, with some calling for greater collaboration with traditional healers and others expressing doubts about their potential role in promoting HIV and tuberculosis services. Specifically, many health workers did not accept sputum samples collected outside health facilities. CONCLUSIONS Offering HIV self-testing kits and sputum containers through traditional healers led to high HIV yields, but no TB diagnoses. The intervention was appreciated by healers' clients, due to the cultural literacy of traditional healers and practical considerations. Scaling-up this approach could bridge testing gaps if traditional healers are supported, but procedures for receiving sputum samples at health facilities need further strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lenhle Dube
- Eswatini National AIDS Program, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Aung Aung
- Médecins sans Frontières, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | | | | | | | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, UK.
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14
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Chew CC, Lim XJ, Chang CT, Rajan P, Nasir N, Low WY. Experiences of social stigma among patients tested positive for COVID-19 and their family members: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1623. [PMID: 34488693 PMCID: PMC8419662 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11679-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social stigma against persons infected with COVID-19 is not uncommon. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experience of social stigma among COVID-19 positive patients and their family members. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted between April to June 2020 in Malaysia. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 for at least 1 month and their family members who were tested with negative results, Malaysian and aged 18–65 years old were purposively sampled. Cold call method was employed to recruit patients while their family members were recruited by their recommendations. Telephone interviews were conducted with the participants after obtaining their verbal consent. Results A total of 18 participants took part in this study. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (Ι) experience of stigmatization, (ΙΙ) perspective on disease disclosure, and (ΙΙΙ) suggestion on coping and reducing stigma. The participants expressed their experiences of being isolated, labelled, and blamed by the people surrounding them including the health care providers, neighbours, and staff at the service counters. Some respondents expressed their willingness to share their experience with others by emphasizing the importance of taking preventive measure in order to stop the chain of virus transmission and some of them chose to disclose this medical history for official purpose because of fear and lack of understanding among the public. As suggested by the respondents, the approaches in addressing social stigma require the involvement of the government, the public, health care provider, and religious leader. Conclusion Individuals recovered from COVID-19 and their families experienced social stigma. Fear and lack of public understanding of the COVID-19 disease were the key factors for non-disclosure. Some expressed their willingness to share their experience as they perceived it as method to increase public awareness and thereby reducing social stigma. Multifaceted approaches with the involvement of multiple parties including the government, non-governmental organization as well as the general public were recommended as important measures to address the issues of social stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chii-Chii Chew
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Bainun, Level 4, Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC), Jalan Raja Ashman Shah, 30450, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Xin-Jie Lim
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Bainun, Level 4, Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC), Jalan Raja Ashman Shah, 30450, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Tao Chang
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Bainun, Level 4, Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC), Jalan Raja Ashman Shah, 30450, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
| | - Philip Rajan
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Bainun, Level 4, Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC), Jalan Raja Ashman Shah, 30450, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.,Otolaryngology Department, Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, Ministry of Health, Ipoh, Malaysia
| | - Nordin Nasir
- Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ministry of Health, Ipoh, Malaysia
| | - Wah-Yun Low
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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15
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El-Sadr WM. Beyond the Magic Bullet: What Will It Take to End the AIDS Epidemic? Am J Public Health 2021; 111:1234-1236. [PMID: 34110928 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa M El-Sadr
- Wafaa M. El-Sadr is Global Director of ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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16
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Daftary A, Mondal S, Zelnick J, Friedland G, Seepamore B, Boodhram R, Amico KR, Padayatchi N, O'Donnell MR. Dynamic needs and challenges of people with drug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV in South Africa: a qualitative study. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e479-e488. [PMID: 33740409 PMCID: PMC8009302 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little evidence of patient acceptability for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) care in the context of new treatment regimens and HIV co-infection. We aim to describe experiences of DRTB-HIV care among patients in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. METHODS In this qualitative study using Bury's framework for chronic illness, we conducted 13 focus groups at a tertiary hospital with 55 patients co-infected with DRTB and HIV (28 women, 27 men) who were receiving new bedaquiline-based treatment for DRTB, concurrent with antiretroviral therapy. Eligible patients were consenting adults (aged >18 years) with confirmed DRTB and HIV who were enrolled into the PRAXIS study within 2 weeks of initiating bedaquiline-based treatment for DRTB. Participants were recruited from the PRAXIS cohort to participate in a focus group based on their time in DRTB treatment: early (2-6 weeks after treatment initiation), middle (2-6 months after discharge or treatment initiation if never hospitalised), and late (>6 months after treatment initiation). Focus groups were carried out in isiZulu language, audio recorded, and translated to English within 4 weeks. Participants were asked about their experiences of DRTB and HIV care and treatment, and qualitative data were coded and thematically analysed. FINDINGS From March, 2017, to June, 2018, distinctive patient challenges were identified at four critical stages of DRTB care: diagnosis, marked by centralised hospitalisation, renunciation from routine life, systemic stigmatisation and, for patients with longstanding HIV, renewed destabilisation; treatment initiation, marked by side-effects, isolation, and social disconnectedness; discharge, marked by brief respite and resurgent therapeutic and social disruption; and continuity, marked by deepening socioeconomic challenges despite clinical recovery. The periods of diagnosis and discharge into the community were particularly difficult. Treatment information and agency in decision making was a persistent gap. Sources of stigmatisation shifted with movement between the hospital and community. Resilience was built by connecting to peers, self-isolating, financial and material security, and a focus on recovery. INTERPRETATION People with DRTB and HIV undergo disruptive, life-altering experiences. The lack of information, agency, and social protections in DRTB care and treatment causes wider-reaching challenges for patients compared with HIV. Decentralised, community, peer-support, and differentiated care models for DRTB might be ameliorative and help to maximise the promise of new regimens. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health. TRANSLATION For the isiZulu translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Daftary
- Dahdaleh Institute of Global Health Research, School of Global Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa MRC-HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Shinjini Mondal
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Zelnick
- Graduate School of Social Work, Touro College and University System, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Boitumelo Seepamore
- Department of Social Work, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Resha Boodhram
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa MRC-HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - K Rivet Amico
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nesri Padayatchi
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa MRC-HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Max R O'Donnell
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa MRC-HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Bresenham D, Kipp AM, Medina-Marino A. Quantification and correlates of tuberculosis stigma along the tuberculosis testing and treatment cascades in South Africa: a cross-sectional study. Infect Dis Poverty 2020; 9:145. [PMID: 33092636 PMCID: PMC7579945 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00762-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Bresenham
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, 10 Rochester Rd, Vincent, East London, South Africa
| | - Aaron M Kipp
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Public Health, East Carolina University, 115 Heart Drive, Ste #2219, Greenville, NC, 27858-4353, USA.
| | - Andrew Medina-Marino
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, 10 Rochester Rd, Vincent, East London, South Africa. .,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Men's Health Division, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Garcia R, Spiegel JM, Yassi A, Ehrlich R, Romão P, Nunes EA, Zungu M, Mabhele S. Preventing Occupational Tuberculosis in Health Workers: An Analysis of State Responsibilities and Worker Rights in Mozambique. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7546. [PMID: 33081345 PMCID: PMC7589114 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Given the very high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among health workers in Mozambique, a low-income country in Southern Africa, implementation of measures to protect health workers from occupational TB remains a major challenge. This study explores how Mozambique's legal framework and health system governance facilitate-or hinder-implementation of protective measures in its public (state-provided) healthcare sector. Using a mixed-methods approach, we examined international, constitutional, regulatory, and policy frameworks. We also recorded and analysed the content of a workshop and policy discussion group on the topic to elicit the perspectives of health workers and of officials responsible for implementing workplace TB policies. We found that despite a well-developed legal framework and national infection prevention and control policy, a number of implementation barrier persisted: lack of legal codification of TB as an occupational disease; absence of regulations assigning specific responsibilities to employers; failure to deal with privacy and stigma fears among health workers; and limited awareness among health workers of their legal rights, including that of collective action. While all these elements require attention to protect health workers from occupational TB, a stronger emphasis on their human and labour rights is needed alongside their perceived responsibilities as caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regiane Garcia
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Jerry M. Spiegel
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Annalee Yassi
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Rodney Ehrlich
- Division of Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa;
| | - Paulo Romão
- International Labour Organization, 688 Av. do Zimbábwe, Maputo, Mozambique;
| | - Elizabete A. Nunes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maputo Central Hospital, 364 Av. Agostinho Neto, Maputo 1100, Mozambique;
| | - Muzimkhulu Zungu
- National Institute for Occupational Health, 25 Hospital St, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa;
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Simphiwe Mabhele
- International Labour Organization, Block C, Crestway Office Park, 20 Hotel St. Persequor, Pretoria 0020, South Africa;
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Ehrlich R, Spiegel JM, Adu P, Yassi A. Current Guidelines for Protecting Health Workers from Occupational Tuberculosis Are Necessary, but Not Sufficient: Towards a Comprehensive Occupational Health Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3957. [PMID: 32503223 PMCID: PMC7313452 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Health workers globally are at elevated occupational risk of tuberculosis infection and disease. While a raft of guidelines have been published over the past 25 years on infection prevention and control (IPC) in healthcare, studies in different settings continue to show inadequate implementation and persistence of risk. The aim of this commentary is to argue, based on the literature and our own research, that a comprehensive occupational health approach is an essential complement to IPC guidelines. Such an approach includes a health system framework focusing on upstream or mediating components, such as a statutory regulation, leadership, an information system, and staff trained in protective disciplines. Within the classical prevention framework, primary prevention needs to be complemented by occupational health services (secondary prevention) and worker's compensation (tertiary prevention). A worker-centric approach recognises the ethical implications of screening health workers, as well as the stigma perceived by those diagnosed with tuberculosis. It also provides for the voiced experience of health workers and their participation in decision-making. We argue that such a comprehensive approach will contribute to both the prevention of occupational tuberculosis and to the ability of a health system to withstand other crises of infectious hazards to its workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney Ehrlich
- Division of Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
| | - Jerry M. Spiegel
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (J.M.S.); (P.A.); (A.Y.)
| | - Prince Adu
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (J.M.S.); (P.A.); (A.Y.)
| | - Annalee Yassi
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (J.M.S.); (P.A.); (A.Y.)
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