Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: In India Tuberculosis (TB) is the major public health problem. It is still been considered as social stigma by many people especially in rural areas. It is necessary to pay more attention towards psychosocial needs of the patients so that they accept the anti TB treatment easily without any fear. This will result in good adherence to treatment and better cure rate can be achieved. Aims & Objectives: The main aim of study is to assess the psychosocial problems & issues related to social stigma for tuberculosis and its treatment in rural population.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted at rural tertiary care center at Dist. Bhavnagar, Gujarat. A structured interview was taken with prior consent and data was collected for the patient newly diagnosed as Tuberculosis.
Results: A significant proportion of patients were found to have adverse psychosocial reaction on informing that they are suffering from TB (p<0.05). Most commonly observed feelings by patients during interview were, (1) worry about cure and fear of death (2) embarrassment due to disease (3) misconception of the disease being a social stigma (4) cursing the fate that this happened to me. Conclusion: Psychological reaction of patient plays a significant role in course and cure of TB. Psychological factors should be addressed while treating TB which will in turn help to deliver quality care to patient of Tuberculosis. It will lead to better compliance, adherence and completion of treatment and this will increase cure rate.