Abstract
To analyze the influence of social incentives for adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Qualitative study, in which 26 primary health care professionals of São Paulo were interviewed in 2015.Their testimonies were submitted to the speech analysis technique. The theoretical reference was the social determination of the health-disease process. Ethical procedures were observed. TB is related to precarious living conditions. Incentives such as the basic food basket and transportation stipends are relevant for patients' adherence to treatment, as well as to the create bonds between the patient and the health team. The incentives strengthened adherence to TB treatment. However, interventions in the context of public measures must transcend the remedial dimension and be guided towards the transformation of the TB situation, which means supporting processes that modify living conditions.
Highlights
METHODTuberculosis (TB) is a disease of social nature, the way people live and work influences the illness[1]
The association of TB to living and working conditions were present in the testimonies of the health professionals, who reported that people affected by the disease have, in general, “low income”, “live poorly”, “experience hunger”, live in “precarious conditions”, are “extremely vulnerable regarding their work”, and use the social benefits for “providing for their family” (C11, C12, E2, H1, L1, M1, T8, U1, Z1)
It is said that the disease is prevalent in peripheral regions, where there are people who really need the incentives: the case with greater seriousness we have are of people who live in a precarious situation. (T8)
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of social nature, the way people live and work influences the illness[1]. In order to improve the indicators of the disease and to motivate adherence to the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), the Ministry of Health recommends the provision of incentives to patients, such as snacks, food stipends and transportation stipends, since they present, in general, important vulnerabilities regarding their living conditions. Such incentives can contribute to the alleviation of the immediate needs of people affected by TB[8,9]. Social Protection integrates the current strategy of WHO, End TB[4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
