Anticipated Tuberculosis Stigma among Health Professionals and Haitian Patients in South Florida

Abstract

This paper compares tuberculosis-related stigma perceptions of health professionals with that of local patient populations, and examines these in relation to other measures of anticipated distress. Comparison groups were service providers and Haitian American patients diagnosed with latent TB (LTBI). Providers consistently rated LTBI higher on anticipated stigma than patients both overall and for internal perceptions and emotions, external perceptions and actions, and Haitian identity. Health professionals were almost five times more likely than patients to report the possibility of other types of psychosocial distress. The findings are consistent with previous studies reporting a higher degree of perceived stigma among unaffected populations compared with people diagnosed with a medical condition. Results suggest that providers may overestimate the likelihood that patients with a stigmatized condition will experience negative consequences. This may negatively affect adherence to TB testing guidelines because of confidentiality concerns. The implications for achieving national TB elimination goals are discussed.