Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
  • Year: 2018
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue: 6

A Study to Assess Stigma and Discrimination Associated with Tuberculosis in 18 Year and above Patients Attending CHC Hapur

1Professor and Head of Deptt. Deptt. of Community Medicine, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Hapur, UP

2Associate Professor, Deptt. of Community Medicine, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Hapur, UP

3Health Educator, Deptt. of Community Medicine, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Hapur, UP

*Corresponding author: Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Malhotra Associate Professor, Deptt. of Community Medicine, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. Highway-24, Hapur, UP, Contact Number-9953217059, E-mail-drakhi512@yahoo.co.in

Online published on 19 June, 2018.

Abstract

To assess the stigma and discrimination associated with tuberculosis among patients attending CHC Hapur.

A crossectional study was conducted during Feb 2017 among 463 patients attending CHC Hapur. Information was collected with reference to stigma and discrimination associated with tuberculosis. Univariate analysis was done to assess statistical significance of association of various socio-demographic factors and stigma and discrimination regarding tuberculosis.

A total of 463 patients was included in study. 8.6% of respondents would hide their illness (if they have tuberculosis) and reluctant to disclose to anyone. This stigma associated with tuberculosis is more in males, respondents with urban domicile and age group 25–35 years. Only12.7% of respondents want to stay away from TB patients. This discrimination associated with tuberculosis is more in males, respondents with rural domicile and age group 45–55 years. Discrimination associated with tuberculosis is significantly related to gender (p value< 0.01). 46.8% of respondents would feel frightened, 43.9% would feel sad and 8.6 would feel embarrassed if they came to know that they have Tuberculosis

It is essential to adopt the support strategies and supplement the effort in advocacy, communication and social mobilization to mitigate the social stigma and discrimination associated with tuberculosis which is necessary for successful health program.

Keywords

Stigma, discrimination, tuberculosis, gender