A study to assess the stigma related to tuberculosis among directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) providers and patients on DOTS therapy attending DOTS centres of Mandya City, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Stigma is defined as a powerful and tainting social label that radically changes the way individuals view themselves and are viewed by others. Tuberculosis is the second leading cause of death from an infectious disease. In India, social stigma attached to tuberculosis hinders patients from seeking adequate treatment interventions thus adding to the burden of disease. Methods: All the patients receiving DOTS therapy for pulmonary and or extra pulmonary tuberculosis at DOTS Centres at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), primary health care centres (PHCs) Guthalu and Kyathamgere were interviewed using Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) stigma scale. During the study period there were 33, 17 and 11 patients receiving DOTS therapy at MIMS, PHC Guthalu and PHC Kyathamgere respectively. A total of 18 DOT providers were interviewed using Social Distance Scale (SDS). Results: 21(34.43%) of the 61 DOTS patients were found to be stigmatised and 40(65.57%) were not stigmatised. 10 (47.62%) females and 11 (27.5%) males were found to be stigmatised. 43 (70.49%) patients preferred to keep other people from knowing that they were suffering from tuberculosis. 27(44.26%) patients had decided to stay away from work/social groups and 26(42.62%) felt that others give them less respect. 14(77.78%) of the 18 DOT providers were definitely unwilling to have someone with tuberculosis as a caretaker of their children for a couple of hours. Conclusions: One-third of the patients on DOTS therapy were stigmatised and three-fourth of the DOT providers reported stigma.