1
|
Scheunemann A, Moolla A, Mongwenyana C, Mkize N, Rassool M, Jezile V, Evans D. The lived experiences of tuberculosis survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic and government lockdown in South Africa: a qualitative analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1729. [PMID: 37670253 PMCID: PMC10481461 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16657-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health concern in South Africa, where prior to COVID-19 it was associated with more deaths than any other infectious disease. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted gains made in the global response to TB, having a serious impact on the most vulnerable. COVID-19 and TB are both severe respiratory infections, where infection with one places individuals at increased risk for negative health outcomes for the other. Even after completing TB treatment, TB survivors remain economically vulnerable and continue to be negatively affected by TB. METHODS This cross-sectional qualitative study, which was part of a larger longitudinal study in South Africa, explored how TB survivors' experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions. Participants were identified through purposive sampling and were recruited and interviewed at a large public hospital in Gauteng. Data were analyzed thematically, using a constructivist research paradigm and both inductive and deductive codebook development. RESULTS Participants (n = 11) were adults (24-74 years of age; more than half male or foreign nationals) who had successfully completed treatment for pulmonary TB in the past two years. Participants were generally found to be physically, socioeconomically, and emotionally vulnerable, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating or causing a recurrence of many of the same stressors they had faced with TB. Coping strategies during COVID similarly mirrored those used during TB diagnosis and treatment, including social support, financial resources, distraction, spirituality, and inner strength. CONCLUSIONS Implications and suggestions for future directions include fostering and maintaining a strong network of social support for TB survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Scheunemann
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Aneesa Moolla
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Constance Mongwenyana
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Neliswe Mkize
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohammed Rassool
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vuyokazi Jezile
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Denise Evans
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Timire C, Kranzer K, Pedrazzoli D, Kavenga F, Kasozi S, Mbiba F, Bond V. Coping with drug resistant tuberculosis alongside COVID-19 and other stressors in Zimbabwe: A qualitative study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001706. [PMID: 37549111 PMCID: PMC10406177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Households in low-resource settings are more vulnerable to events which adversely affect their livelihoods, including shocks e.g. death of family members, droughts and more recently COVID-19. Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is another shock that inflicts physical, psychological and socioeconomic burden on individuals and households. We describe experiences and coping strategies among people affected by DR-TB and their households in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-2021. We purposively selected 16 adults who had just completed or were completing treatment for DR-TB for in-depth interviews. We transcribed audio-recordings verbatim and translated the transcripts into English. Data were coded both manually and using NVivo 12 (QSR International), and were analysed thematically. Health seeking from providers outside the public sector, extra-pulmonary TB and health system factors resulted in delayed DR-TB diagnosis and treatment and increased financial drain on households. DR-TB reduced productive capacity and narrowed job opportunities leading to income loss that continued even after completion of treatment. Household livelihood was further adversely affected by lockdowns due to COVID-19, outbreaks of bird flu and cattle disease. Stockouts of DR-TB medicines, common during COVID-19, exacerbated loss of productive time and transport costs as medication had to be accessed from other clinics. Reversible coping strategies included: reducing number of meals; relocating in search of caregivers and/or family support; spending savings; negotiating with school authorities to keep children in school. Some households adopted irreversible coping strategies e.g. selling productive assets and withdrawing children from school. DR-TB combined with COVID-19 and other stressors and pushed households into deeper poverty and vulnerability. Multisectoral approaches that combine health systems and socioeconomic interventions are crucial to mitigate diagnostic delays and suffering, and meaningfully support people with DR-TB and their households to compensate the loss of livelihoods during and post DR-TB treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collins Timire
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
- AIDS & TB Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Biomedical Research & Training Institute, The Health Research Unit, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research & Training Institute, The Health Research Unit, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Debora Pedrazzoli
- Faculty of Global and Public Health, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fungai Kavenga
- AIDS & TB Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Samuel Kasozi
- AIDS & TB Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Fredrick Mbiba
- Biomedical Research & Training Institute, The Health Research Unit, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Virginia Bond
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Department of Global Health and Development, LSHTM, London, United Kingdom
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Scheunemann A, Moolla A, Mongwenyana C, Mkize N, Rassool M, Jezile V, Evans D. The lived experiences of Tuberculosis survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic and government lockdown in South Africa: a qualitative analysis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2857896. [PMID: 37205375 PMCID: PMC10187427 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2857896/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: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health concern in South Africa, where prior to COVID-19 it was associated with more deaths than any other infectious disease. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted gains made in the global response to TB, having a serious impact on the most vulnerable. COVID-19 and TB are both severe respiratory infections, where infection with the one place individuals at increased risk for negative health outcomes for the other. Even after completing TB treatment, TB survivors remain economically vulnerable and continue to be negatively affected by TB. Methods This cross-sectional qualitative study, which was part of a larger longitudinal study in South Africa, explored how TB survivors' experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions. Participants were identified through purposive sampling and were recruited and interviewed at a large public hospital in Gauteng. Data were analyzed thematically, using a constructivist research paradigm and both inductive and deductive codebook development. Results Participants (n = 11) were adults (24-74 years of age; more than half male or foreign nationals) who had successfully completed treatment for pulmonary TB in the past two years. Participants were generally found to be physically, socioeconomically, and emotionally vulnerable, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating or causing a recurrence of many of the same stressors they had faced with TB. Coping strategies during COVID similarly mirrored those used during TB diagnosis and treatment, including social support, financial resources, distraction, spirituality, and inner strength. Conclusions Implications and suggestions for future directions include fostering and maintaining a strong network of social support for TB survivors.
Collapse
|
4
|
Nightingale R, Carlin F, Meghji J, McMullen K, Evans D, van der Zalm MM, Anthony MG, Bittencourt M, Byrne A, du Preez K, Coetzee M, Feris C, Goussard P, Hirasen K, Bouwer J, Hoddinott G, Huaman MA, Inglis-Jassiem G, Ivanova O, Karmadwala F, Schaaf HS, Schoeman I, Seddon JA, Sineke T, Solomons R, Thiart M, van Toorn R, Fujiwara PI, Romanowski K, Marais S, Hesseling AC, Johnston J, Allwood B, Muhwa JC, Mortimer K. Post-TB health and wellbeing. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2023; 27:248-283. [PMID: 37035971 PMCID: PMC10094053 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
TB affects around 10.6 million people each year and there are now around 155 million TB survivors. TB and its treatments can lead to permanently impaired health and wellbeing. In 2019, representatives of TB affected communities attending the '1st International Post-Tuberculosis Symposium´ called for the development of clinical guidance on these issues. This clinical statement on post-TB health and wellbeing responds to this call and builds on the work of the symposium, which brought together TB survivors, healthcare professionals and researchers. Our document offers expert opinion and, where possible, evidence-based guidance to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and management of post-TB conditions and research in this field. It covers all aspects of post-TB, including economic, social and psychological wellbeing, post TB lung disease (PTLD), cardiovascular and pericardial disease, neurological disability, effects in adolescents and children, and future research needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Nightingale
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - F Carlin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Meghji
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - K McMullen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - D Evans
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M M van der Zalm
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - M G Anthony
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - M Bittencourt
- University Hospital, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - A Byrne
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent´s Hospital Clinical School University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K du Preez
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - M Coetzee
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - C Feris
- Occupational Therapy Department, Windhoek Central Hospital, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia, Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - P Goussard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - K Hirasen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Paediatric Pulmonology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - J Bouwer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - G Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - M A Huaman
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - G Inglis-Jassiem
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - O Ivanova
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, German Centre for Infection Research, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - F Karmadwala
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - H S Schaaf
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | - J A Seddon
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa, Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - T Sineke
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - R Solomons
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - M Thiart
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - R van Toorn
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - P I Fujiwara
- Task Force, Global Plan to End TB, 2023-2030, Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - K Romanowski
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Provincial TB Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - S Marais
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Neurology Research Group, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A C Hesseling
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - J Johnston
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Provincial TB Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - B Allwood
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J C Muhwa
- Department of Medicine, Therapeutics, Dermatology and Psychiatry, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - K Mortimer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Timire C, Kranzer K, Pedrazzoli D, Kavenga F, Kasozi S, Mbiba F, Bond V. Coping with drug resistant tuberculosis alongside COVID-19 and other stressors in Zimbabwe: a qualitative study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.24.23286187. [PMID: 36909482 PMCID: PMC10002793 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.23286187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Households in low-resource settings are more vulnerable to events which adversely affect their livelihoods, including shocks such as the death of a family member, inflation, droughts and more recently COVID-19. Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is also another shock that inflicts physical, psychological and socioeconomic burden on individuals and households. We describe experiences and coping strategies among people affected by DR-TB and their households in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 to 2021. Methods We conducted 16 in-depth interviews with adults who had just completed or were completing treatment. Interview themes included health seeking behaviour, impact of DR-TB on livelihoods and coping strategies adopted during treatment. We analysed data using thematic analyses. Results Health seeking from providers outside the public sector, extra-pulmonary TB and health system factors resulted in delayed DR-TB diagnosis and treatment and increased financial drain on households. DR-TB reduced productive capacity and narrowed job opportunities leading to income loss that continued even after completion of treatment. Household livelihood was further adversely affected by lockdowns due to COVID-19, outbreaks of bird flu and cattle disease. Stockouts of DR-TB medicines, common during COVID-19, exacerbated loss of productive time and transport costs as medication had to be accessed from other clinics that were further away. Reversible coping strategies included: reducing number of meals; relocating in search of caregivers and/or family support; spending savings; negotiating with school authorities to keep children in school. Some households had to adopt irreversible coping strategies such as selling productive assets and withdrawing children from school. Conclusion DR-TB combined with COVID-19 and other stressors pushed households into deeper poverty, and vulnerability. Multi-sectoral approaches that combine health systems, psychosocial and economic interventions are crucial to mitigate diagnostic delays and suffering, and meaningfully support people with DR-TB and their households to compensate the loss of livelihoods during and post DR-TB treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collins Timire
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
- AIDS & TB Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- The Health Research Unit; Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
- The Health Research Unit; Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Debora Pedrazzoli
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Global and Public Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Fungai Kavenga
- AIDS & TB Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Samuel Kasozi
- AIDS & TB Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- The Global Fund To Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fredrick Mbiba
- The Health Research Unit; Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Virginia Bond
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, LSHTM, London, UK
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
South A, Dhesi P, Tweed CD, Tsogt B, Staples S, Tukvadze N, Dorj G, Zaca S, Sanikidze E, Purev N, Esmail H, Burgess R. Patients' priorities around drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment: A multi-national qualitative study from Mongolia, South Africa and Georgia. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2234450. [PMID: 37431789 PMCID: PMC7616316 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2234450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
We conducted qualitative research exploring the treatment experience of people with DR-TB. We held nine focus group discussions with 57 adults undergoing/recently completed treatment for DR-TB in Georgia, Mongolia and South Africa. Translated transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. We identified three higher order themes: (1) Treatment experience and the role of good relationships with healthcare providers: Treatment duration, pill burden and side-effects were challenging aspects of treatment. Side-effects/symptoms that were visible signs of illness were particularly troubling. Good relations with clinical staff helped combat fear and uncertainty regarding treatment. (2) Mental distress and opportunities for wellbeing: The shame, stigma and isolation people experienced as a result of their DR-TB diagnosis was an important cause of mental distress. No longer being infectious enabled people to resume work and socialising. Positive emotions emerged with good treatment outcomes. (3) Fear and worry along the treatment journey: Participants expressed fears about TB: infecting others; whether they would be able to endure treatment; side-effects; health consequences of treatment. Worries mostly disappeared with successful treatment. Alongside measuring side-effects, time to culture conversion and cure rates, future trials of DR-TB treatments should capture how quickly visible symptoms resolve, quality of life measures, and mental health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Suzanne Staples
- THINK: TB and HIV Investigative Network, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nestani Tukvadze
- TB Clinical Research Unit, National Centre for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Gantsetseg Dorj
- TB Research and Surveillance Department, National Center for Communicable Diseases, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Sindisiwe Zaca
- THINK: TB and HIV Investigative Network, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Nasanjargal Purev
- TB Research and Surveillance Department, National Center for Communicable Diseases, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Hanif Esmail
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, UCL, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Harrison RE, Shyleika V, Falkenstein C, Garsevanidze E, Vishnevskaya O, Lonnroth K, Sayakci Ö, Sinha A, Sitali N, Skrahina A, Stringer B, Tan C, Mar HT, Venis S, Vetushko D, Viney K, Vishneuski R, Carrion Martin AI. Patient and health-care provider experience of a person-centred, multidisciplinary, psychosocial support and harm reduction programme for patients with harmful use of alcohol and drug-resistant tuberculosis in Minsk, Belarus. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1217. [PMID: 36180873 PMCID: PMC9523183 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08525-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) often concentrates in groups of people with complex health and social issues, including alcohol use disorders (AUD). Risk of TB, and poor TB treatment outcomes, are substantially elevated in people who have AUD. Médecins sans Frontières and the Belarus Ministry of Health have worked to improve treatment adherence in patients with multi-drug or rifampicin resistant (MDR/RR)-TB and harmful use of alcohol. In 2016, a person-centred, multidisciplinary, psychosocial support and harm reduction programme delivered by TB doctors, counsellors, psychiatrists, health-educators, and social workers was initiated. In 2020, we described patient and provider experiences within the programme as part of a wider evaluation. Methods We recruited 12 patients and 20 health-care workers, using purposive sampling, for in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions. We used a participant-led, flexible, exploratory approach, enabling participants and the interviewer to shape topics of conversation. Qualitative data were coded manually and analysed thematically. As part of the analysis process, identified themes were shared with health-care worker participants to enable their reflections to be incorporated into the findings. Results Key themes related to the patients’ and practitioners experience of having and treating MDRTB with associated complex health and social issues were: fragility and despair and guidance, trust and health. Prejudice and marginalisation were global to both themes. Counsellors and other health workers built a trusting relationship with patients, enabling guidance through a multi-disciplinary approach, which supported patients to achieve their vision of health. This guidance was achieved by a team of social workers, counsellors, doctors and health-educators who provided professional and individualised help for patients’ illnesses, personal or interpersonal problems, administrative tasks, and job searches. Conclusions Patients with MDR/RR-TB and harmful use of alcohol faced complex issues during treatment. Our findings describe how person-centred, multi-disciplinary, psychosocial support helped patients in this setting to cope with these challenges and complete the treatment programme. We recommend that these findings are used to: i) inform programmatic changes to further boost the person-centred care nature of this program; and ii) advocate for this type of person-centred care approach to be rolled out across Belarus, and in contexts that face similar challenges. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08525-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Knut Lonnroth
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Alena Skrahina
- Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Pulmonology and Tuberculosis (RSPCPT), Minsk, Republic of Belarus
| | | | | | | | | | - Dmitri Vetushko
- Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Pulmonology and Tuberculosis (RSPCPT), Minsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - Kerri Viney
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
“I would watch her with awe as she swallowed the first handful”: A qualitative study of pediatric multidrug-resistant tuberculosis experiences in Durban, South Africa. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274741. [PMID: 36112604 PMCID: PMC9481007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are limited data on the experiences of children being treated for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), and most work in the area has been done with older children and adolescents. Comprehensive explorations of the caregiver experiences in this area are also lacking. Objective To describe the experiences of being treated for drug-resistant tuberculosis of children and their caregivers. Methods This was a qualitative study done using focus group discussions (FGDs) among three different groups of participants: 1) health care providers involved in the care of children being treated for DR-TB (including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists)—herein referred to as providers; 2) household caregivers of children being treated for DR-TB—herein referred to as caregivers; and 3) children who were being treated for DR-TB—herein referred to as children. The population was a convenience sample and included children hospitalized between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2020, ages 0–14 years old, as well as their caregivers and providers. Focus group transcripts and notes were analysed using a thematic network analysis based in grounded theory The analysis was iterative and the coding system developed focused on “stressful experiences” as well as ways to address them along the diagnostic and treatment journey. This paper follows the COREQ guidelines. Results 16 children between the ages 7 and 14 years participated in 5 FGDs, 30 caregivers participated in 7 FGDs, and 12 providers participated in 3 FDGs. Data from the children and the caregivers were the focus of this analysis, although some themes were informed by the discussions with the providers as well. In general, it was reported that for a child diagnosed with DR-TB, there is a lived experience of stress that impacts their physical, mental, and social well-being. These pediatric patients and their families therefore develop strategies for coping with these disruptions to their lives. In general, there were major disruptive experiences that resulted from the process around receiving a diagnosis of DR-TB and second distinct set of stressful experiences that occurred during the treatment of DR-TB once the diagnosis had been made. These stresses occur in the physical, mental, and social realms, and families develop multiple strategies to cope with them, demonstrating resilience in the face of this disease. Conclusion Addressing the stresses experienced by children and their caregivers through child-friendly DR-TB testing, treatment, and counseling is not only essential for ending TB but also for enacting a human-rights based approach to child health in general. Children with DR-TB are a vulnerable population, and they have often been the last to benefit from advances in general pediatric care and in DR-TB care more specifically.
Collapse
|