Evidence-based interventions to reduce tuberculosis stigma: a systematic review

Drug-resistant tuberculosis: a persistent global health concern

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is estimated to cause 13% of all antimicrobial resistance-attributable deaths worldwide and is driven by both ongoing resistance acquisition and person-to-person transmission. Poor outcomes are exacerbated by late diagnosis and inadequate access to effective treatment. Advances in rapid molecular testing have recently improved the diagnosis of TB and drug resistance. Next-generation sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has increased our understanding of genetic resistance mechanisms and can now detect mutations associated with resistance phenotypes. All-oral, shorter drug regimens that can achieve high cure rates of drug-resistant TB within 6-9 months are now available and recommended but have yet to be scaled to global clinical use. Promising regimens for the prevention of drug-resistant TB among high-risk contacts are supported by early clinical trial data but final results are pending. A person-centred approach is crucial in managing drug-resistant TB to reduce the risk of poor treatment outcomes, side effects, stigma and mental health burden associated with the diagnosis. In this Review, we describe current surveillance of drug-resistant TB and the causes, risk factors and determinants of drug resistance as well as the stigma and mental health considerations associated with it. We discuss recent advances in diagnostics and drug-susceptibility testing and outline the progress in developing better treatment and preventive therapies.

Breaking the barriers: overcoming dementia-related stigma in minority communities

Dementia is a global health concern that affects individuals irrespective of their cultural or linguistic backgrounds. However, research has long recognized the pronounced stigma associated with dementia, particularly within Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. This article seeks to summarize the underlying factors contributing to the heightened levels of dementia stigma within CALD communities, through a review of the literature. Our examination shows that cultural beliefs, language barriers, limited awareness, and the impact of migration on perceptions of aging and cognitive decline are contributing factors. Consequently, our analysis highlights the need for tailored, culturally appropriate interventions aimed at mitigating stigma and enhancing dementia care within CALD populations. Our proposed solutions, built on a social-ecological approach, highlights the critical role of collaborative efforts involving policymakers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and CALD community members in fostering a more dementia-inclusive society. This perspective piece aims to shed light on the distinct challenges faced by CALD communities, while advocating for a holistic approach to redefine perceptions and care strategies tailored to these populations.

"This is an illness. No one is supposed to be treated badly": Community-based stigma assessments in South Africa to inform TB stigma intervention design

Background

Though TB-related stigma is a recognized barrier to care, interventions are lacking and gaps remain in understanding the drivers and experiences of TB-related stigma. We undertook community-based mixed methods stigma assessments to inform stigma intervention design.

Methods

We adapted the Stop TB Partnership stigma assessment tool, and trained three peer research associates (PRAs; two TB survivors, one community health worker) to conduct surveys with people with TB (PWTB, n=93) and caregivers of children with TB (n=24) at peri-urban and rural clinic sites in Khayelitsha, Western Cape, and Hammanskraal, Gauteng Province, South Africa. We descriptively analyzed responses for each stigma experience (anticipated, internal, and enacted), calculated stigma scores, and undertook generalized linear regression analysis. We further conducted 25 in-depth interviews with PWTB (n=22) and caregivers TB (n=3). Using inductive thematic analysis, we performed open coding to identify emergent themes, and selective coding to identify relevant quotes. Themes were organised using the CARD (Constraints, Actions, Risks and Desires) framework.

Results

Surveys revealed at least one-third of PWTB and one-quarter of caregivers report experiences of anticipated, internal, and/or enacted stigma, which affected engagement throughout the care cascade. Participants in rural locations (compared to peri-urban) reported higher anticipated, internal, and enacted stigma (β-coefficient 0.72, 0.71, and 0.74). Interview participants described how stigma experiences, including HIV intersectional stigma, act individually and in concert as key constraints to impede care, and underpins failure to disclose a TB diagnosis, isolation, and exclusion. Stigma resilience arose through understanding that TB can affect anyone and should not diminish self-worth. Risks of stigma, driven by fears related to disease severity and infectiousness, led to care disengagement and impaired psychological wellbeing. Participants desired counselling, identifying a specific role for TB survivors as peer counsellors, and community education.

Conclusions

Stigma is highly prevalent and negatively impacts TB care and the well-being of PWTB, warranting its assessment as a primary outcome indicator rather than intermediary contributor to poor cascade outcomes. Multicomponent stigma interventions are needed, including counselling for PWTB and education for health workers and communities. Such interventions must incorporate contextual differences based on gender or setting, and use survivor-guided messaging to foster stigma resilience.

Building bridges: multidisciplinary teams in tuberculosis prevention and care

People with or affected by tuberculosis (TB) experience complex social and cultural constraints that may affect treatment outcomes by impeding access to proper care or by hindering treatment adherence. Low levels of health literacy which leads to inadequate disease information; stigma, discrimination and other forms of prejudice that may result in marginalisation and ostracisation; and socioeconomic vulnerabilities that hamper one's capacity to access essential goods or increase the risk of exposure to the disease are some of the barriers highlighted. These complex hurdles are also disproportionately felt by people with or affected by TB due to gender-related inequalities that need to be properly addressed. Additionally, TB prevention and care should encompass interventions aimed at improving and promoting mental health, given that mental unhealth may further thwart treatment adherence and success. A multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to TB is required to answer these complex barriers.

Exploring stakeholders perspectives on TB contact investigation in Cali, Colombia: a qualitative study

Introduction

Contact investigation is a proven intervention for tuberculosis (TB) case finding and prevention. Although widely endorsed by national public health authorities and the World Health Organization, many countries struggle to implement it effectively. The objective of the study is to describe and characterize the barriers and facilitators of TB contact investigation in Cali, Colombia from the perspective and experience of the key stakeholders involved.

Methods

We collected data from group discussions during two workshop sessions with clinic and public health staff involved in TB contact investigation (June 2019 and March 2020 respectively) and semi-structured interviews with TB cases and their household contacts (July 2019 to April 2020). We undertook an inductive thematic analysis with the RADaR technique to characterize the barriers and facilitators of the TB contact investigation process.

Results

The two workshops included 21 clinics and 12 public health staff. We also conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with TB cases and their household contacts. Using thematic analysis, we identified four common themes: Healthcare Operations, Essential Knowledge, Time Limitations and Competing Responsibilities, and Interpersonal Interactions. The main barriers to conducting household visits were low data quality, stigma and mistrust, safety concerns for health workers, and limited resources. The main barriers to TB uptake by contacts were competing responsibilities, low TB risk perceptions among contacts, and difficulty accessing diagnostic tests for contacts. In contrast, good communication and social skills among health workers and accurate TB knowledge facilitated successful household visits and TB test uptake, according to key stakeholders.

Conclusion

This study provides a deeper understanding of TB contact investigation barriers and facilitators in a high-prevalence urban setting in a middle-income country from the perspective and experience of key stakeholders. The study shed light on the barriers that hinder household contacts engagement and TB test uptake such as issues of systemic capacity and TB knowledge. Also, highlighted facilitators such as the importance of interpersonal communication skills among health workers in the public and private sector. The insights from this study can serve as a valuable resource for public health organizations seeking to enhance their contact investigation efforts and improve TB control in similar settings.

Stigma towards people with tuberculosis: a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a scale in Indonesia

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a highly stigmatised disease that can cause or exacerbate mental health disorders. Despite increased awareness of the importance of reducing TB stigma, validated tools to measure TB stigma remain scarce. This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Van Rie TB Stigma Scale in Indonesia, a country with the second largest TB incidence worldwide.

METHODS

We validated the scale in three phases: translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation. We invited diverse experts to an interdisciplinary panel for the cross-cultural adaptation, then performed a psychometric evaluation of the scale: exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability analysis, and correlation analysis with Patient Health Questionnaire 9 [PHQ-9].

RESULTS

We culturally adapted the original scale's language and content during the translation and cultural adaptation phases. After psychometric evaluation with 401 participants in seven provinces of Indonesia, we removed two items. The new scale had two forms: (A) patient and (B) community perspective forms. Both forms had good internal consistency, with respective Cronbach's alpha values of 0.738 and 0.807. We identified three loading factors in Form A (disclosure, isolation, and guilty) and two loading factors in Form B (isolation and distancing). The scale showed correlation with PHQ-9 (Form A, rs = 0.347, p < 0.001; Form B, rs = 0).

CONCLUSIONS

The culturally adapted Indonesian version of Van Rie's TB Stigma Scale is comprehensive, reliable, internally consistent, and valid. The scale is now ready for applied scale-up in research and practice to measure TB-stigma and evaluate the impact of TB-stigma reduction interventions in Indonesia.

A qualitative exploration into the presence of TB stigmatization across three districts in South Africa

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) stigma is a barrier to active case finding and delivery of care in fighting the TB epidemic. As part of a project exploring different models for delivery of TB contact tracing, we conducted a qualitative analysis to explore the presence of TB stigma within communities across South Africa.

METHODS

We conducted 43 in-depth interviews with 31 people with TB and 12 household contacts as well as five focus group discussions with 40 ward-based team members and 11 community stakeholders across three South African districts.

RESULTS

TB stigma is driven and facilitated by fear of disease coupled with an understanding of TB/HIV duality and manifests as anticipated and internalized stigma. Individuals are marked with TB stigma verbally through gossip and visually through symptomatic identification or when accessing care in either TB-specific areas in health clinics or though ward-based outreach teams. Individuals' unique understanding of stigma influences how they seek care.

CONCLUSION

TB stigma contributes to suboptimal case finding and care at the community level in South Africa. Interventions to combat stigma, such as community and individual education campaigns on TB treatment and transmission as well as the training of health care workers on stigma and stigmatization are needed to prevent discrimination and protect patient confidentiality.

Developing a tool to measure tuberculosis-related stigma in workplaces in Indonesia: An internal validation study

Workers with tuberculosis (TB) are often stigmatized, negatively impacting their socioeconomic position, mental health, and TB treatment outcomes. There is a dearth of validated tools to assess stigma in the worker population. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel, culturally adapted tool to measure TB-related stigma among workers in Indonesia. We translated, adapted, applied, and internally validated Van Rie's TB-Stigma Scale to the worker population in varying sizes businesses (formal and informal business sectors) in Indonesia. Psychometric evaluation using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) was performed to check the tool's internal consistency and reliability. The translation and cultural adaptation phases resulted in a final 11-item tool. From 172 participant responses, the EFA found two loading factors relating to responses on isolation and exclusion from the workplace. The CFA confirmed that the developed model had moderate fit with R2 values for each item ranging from 0.37 to 0.84. The tool was reliable (Cronbach's alpha 0.869). This validated, consistent and reliable adapted tool is ready to use in larger scale evaluations of TB-related stigma amongst workers in formal and informal business sectors of Indonesia to develop strategies to eliminate TB-related stigma from the workplace.

A Communication-Based Intervention Study for Reducing Stigma and Discrimination against Tuberculosis among Thai High-School Students

The current study aims to explore the effectiveness of communication-based intervention on the reduction in TB stigma and discrimination among high-school students in Bangkok, Thailand, during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study is quasi-experimental in nature and is conducted in two high schools (n = 216 students). The study adopts purposive and systematic sampling techniques to select schools and students. The experimental group received a communication program for three months, whereas the control group received no intervention. The study uses generalized estimating equations to assess the overall program between the experimental and control groups at baseline, intervention, and follow-up periods. The outcomes reveal that the communication program effectively reduced TB stigma (p-value < 0.05, CI = 4.962, -1.723) and increased knowledge about TB (p-value < 0.05, CI = 1.825, 2.537), attitudes toward TB (p-value < 0.05, CI = 4.493, 6.280), and self-efficacy on TB stigma and discrimination (p-value < 0.05, CI = 7.133, 9.483) compared with the control group. However, the study finds no significant within- and between-group differences in TB discrimination (p-value > 0.05, CI = -1.398, 0.810). This study is applicable as a supplement for knowledge and attitudes about TB and to the reduction in TB stigma in schools.

Examining Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Stigma Among Health Care Workers Toward the Development of a Stigma-Reduction Intervention: Protocol for a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) is an increasing threat to human health and economic security worldwide. Exacerbating the severity of DRTB is the low rate of service delivery, leading to increased community transmission of the disease, further amplified by stigma. Health workers are on the front line of service delivery; their efforts in all areas of disease control are suspected of having resulted in stigmatization, impacting patient-centered care. As a growing concern, attention to addressing the DRTB stigma confronting health workers is required. However, little is known about stigma among health workers delivering services to patients with DRTB. This scoping review will provide an overview that could help inform appropriate responses toward stigma-reduction interventions for these health workers.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review protocol articulates a methodology that will examine the facets of DRTB-related stigma confronting health workers in high TB- and DRTB-burdened countries. This scoping review will (1) summarize stigma barriers and facilitators contributing to stigmatization among health workers delivering services to patients with DRTB, (2) identify the most common stigma barrier and facilitator, and (3) summarize the stigma-reduction intervention recommendations in the studies.

METHODS

Guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the recommendations of Munn et al, we will conduct a scoping review of relevant literature providing evidence of DRTB-related stigma among health workers from countries with a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and DRTB. We will search published articles written in English from 2010 onward in electronic databases using Medical Subject Headings and keywords. Our search will apply a 3-step search strategy and use software tools to manage references and facilitate the entire scoping review process. The findings of our review will be presented following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews checklist. Our study is registered with Open Science Framework Registries.

RESULTS

This scoping review is part of a bigger project that will critically investigate stigma among health workers delivering services to patients resistant to TB medications. This study began in November 2021 and is expected to finish in 2023. The study has retrieved 593 abstracts out of 12,138 articles searched since February 2022 from the identified databases. The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSIONS

This review will provide an outline of the aspects of DRTB-related stigma confronting health workers. The findings of this review could help inform appropriate responses toward stigma-reduction interventions for these health workers. This is significant because interventions addressing related TB (and DRTB) stigma in the workplace are lacking.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/43084.

Canadian tuberculosis health care workers' perspectives on education and counselling for patients and family members who are born outside of Canada

Tuberculosis health care workers (TB HCWs) in low incidence settings have important perspectives on providing TB education and counselling to patients and family members born in other countries. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore HCWs' perspectives on barriers and facilitators for capacity-building education and counselling with patients and family members born outside of Canada experiencing advanced infectious TB in Calgary, a city in western Canada. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and field notes and thematically analysed. Twenty-four HCWs representing clerical staff, nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals employed in TB care were interviewed. HCWs described how multi-level barriers such as patients' fear of death, complex intra-family communication, information-laden appointments, and patients' precarious employment collided resulting in overwhelmed patients and reduced connection to family. Some HCWs were unsure how to discuss TB stigma with patients and family members. HCWs perceived that increased continuity of care and providing patients and family members with digestible amounts of information earlier were important steps towards better practice. HCWs identified that patients and families could benefit from preparation for initial appointments, increased continuity, and improved patient education materials. HCWs should also receive skills-training to facilitate individual and family counselling.

Characterising and Addressing the Psychosocial Impact of Tuberculosis in Indonesia (CAPITA): A study protocol

Background: Tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma remains a key barrier for people with TB to access and engage with TB services and can contribute to the development of mental illnesses. This study aims to characterise stigmatisation towards people with TB and its psychosocial impact in Indonesia. Methods: This study will apply a sequential mixed method in two main settings: TB services-based population (setting 1) and workplace-based population (setting 2). In setting 1, we will interview 770 adults with TB who undergo sensitive-drug TB treatment in seven provinces of Indonesia. The interview will use the validated TB Stigma Scale questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and EQ-5D-5L to assess stigma, mental illness, and quality of life. In Setting 2, we will deploy an online questionnaire to 640 adult employees in 12 public and private companies. The quantitative data will be followed by in-depth interview to TB-related stakeholders. Results: CAPITA will not only characterise the enacted stigma which are directly experienced by people with TB, but also self-stigma felt by people with TB, secondary stigma faced by their family members, and structural stigma related to the law and policy. The qualitative analyses will strengthen the quantitative findings to formulate the potential policy direction for zero TB stigma in health service facilities and workplaces. Involving all stakeholders, i.e., people with TB, healthcare workers, National Tuberculosis Program officers, The Ministry of Health Workforce, company managers, and employees, will enhance the policy formulation. The validated tool to measure TB-related stigma will also be promoted for scaling up to be implemented at the national level. Conclusions: To improve patient-centered TB control strategy policy, it is essential to characterise and address TB-related stigma and mental illness and explore the needs for psychosocial support for an effective intervention to mitigate the psychosocial impact of TB.

Towards a better understanding of the social stigma of facial difference

Facial difference (FD) is not only an individual experience; it is inherently social, reflecting interactions between social norms and individual attitudes. Often FD is stigmatized. In this paper, we employ a widely used stigma framework, namely the social stigma framework put forth by Pryor and Reeder (2011), to unpack the stigma of FD. This framework posits that there are four forms of stigma: public stigma, self-stigma, stigma by association, and structural stigma. We first discuss the social and psychological literature on FD as it pertains to these various forms of stigma. We then describe coping approaches for FD stigma. Lastly, we delineate evidence-based methods for addressing the various forms of FD stigma, such that future efforts can more effectively tackle the stigma of facial difference.

Perceptions, preferences, and experiences of tuberculosis education and counselling among patients and providers in Kampala, Uganda: A qualitative study

Tuberculosis (TB) education seeks to increase patient knowledge about TB, while TB counselling seeks to offer tailored advice and support for medication adherence. While universally recommended, little is known about how to provide effective, efficient, patient-centred TB education and counselling (TEC) in low-income, high HIV-TB burden settings. We sought to characterise stakeholder perceptions of TEC in a public, primary care facility in Kampala, Uganda, by conducting focus group discussions with health workers and TB patients in the TB and HIV clinics. Participants valued TEC but reported that high-quality TEC is rarely provided, because of a lack of time, space, staff, planning, and prioritisation given to TEC. To improve TEC, they recommended adopting practices that have proven effective in the HIV clinic, including better specifying educational content, and employing peer educators focused on TEC. Patients and health workers suggested that TEC should not only improve TB patient knowledge and adherence, but should also empower and assist all those undergoing evaluation for TB, whether confirmed or not, to educate their households and communities about TB. Community-engaged research with patients and front-line providers identified opportunities to streamline and standardise the delivery of TEC using a patient-centred, peer-educator model.

Prednisone for the prevention of tuberculosis-associated IRIS (randomized controlled trial): Impact on the health-related quality of life

Background

Tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is an important complication in patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB) starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa. The PredART-trial recently showed that prophylactic prednisone reduces the incidence of paradoxical TB-IRIS by 30% in a population at high risk. This paper reports the impact of the intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a secondary endpoint of the trial, measured by an amended version of the PROQOL-HIV instrument—the instrument’s validity and reliability is also assessed.

Methods

A total of 240 adult participants (antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve, TB-HIV co-infected with CD4 count ≤100 cells/μL) were recruited and randomized (1:1) to (1) a prednisone arm or (2) a placebo arm. In this sub-study of the PredART-trial we evaluated (1) the performance of an HIV-specific HR-QoL instrument amended for TB-IRIS, i.e., the PROQOL-HIV/TB in patients with HIV-associated TB starting ART (reliability, internal and external construct validity and invariance across time) and (2) the impact of prednisone on self-reported HR-QoL in this population through mixed models.

Results

The PROQOL-HIV/TB scale displayed acceptable internal reliability and good internal and external validity. This instrument, including the factor structure with the eight sub-dimensions, can thus be applied for measuring HR-QoL among HIV-TB patients at high risk for TB-IRIS. Prophylactic prednisone was statistically significantly associated only with the ‘Physical Health and Symptoms’-subscale: a four-week course of prednisone resulted in an earlier improvement in the physical dimension of HR-QoL compared to placebo.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the PROQOL-HIV/TB scale adequately measures different aspects of self-reported HR-QoL in HIV-TB patients. Although more research is needed to understand how other domains related to HR-QoL can be improved, targeting patients at high risk for developing TB-IRIS with a four-week course of prednisone has a beneficial effect on the physical aspects of patient-reported quality of life.

Interventions pathways to reduce tuberculosis-related stigma: a literature review and conceptual framework

BACKGROUND

Prevention of tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma is vital to achieving the World Health Organisation's End TB Strategy target of eliminating TB. However, the process and impact evaluation of interventions to reduce TB-stigma are limited. This literature review aimed to examine the quality, design, implementation challenges, and successes of TB-stigma intervention studies and create a novel conceptual framework of pathways to TB-stigma reduction.

METHOD

We searched relevant articles recorded in four scientific databases from 1999 to 2022, using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, supplemented by the snowball method and complementary grey literature searches. We assessed the quality of studies using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool, then reviewed study characteristics, data on stigma measurement tools used, and interventions implemented, and designed a conceptual framework to illustrate the pathways to TB-stigma reduction in the interventions identified.

RESULTS

Of 14,259 articles identified, eleven met inclusion criteria, of which three were high quality. TB-stigma reduction interventions consisted mainly of education and psychosocial support targeted predominantly toward three key populations: people with TB, healthcare workers, and the public. No psychosocial interventions for people with TB set TB-stigma reduction as their primary or co-primary aim. Eight studies on healthcare workers and the public reported a decrease in TB-stigma attributed to the interventions. Despite the benefits, the interventions were limited by a dearth of validated stigma measurement tools. Three of eight studies with quantitative stigma measurement questionnaires had not been previously validated among people with TB. No qualitative studies used previously validated methods or tools to qualitatively evaluate stigma. On the basis of these findings, we generated a conceptual framework that mapped the population targeted, interventions delivered, and their potential effects on reducing TB-stigma towards and experienced by people with TB and healthcare workers involved in TB care.

CONCLUSIONS

Interpretation of the limited evidence on interventions to reduce TB-stigma is hampered by the heterogeneity of stigma measurement tools, intervention design, and outcome measures. Our novel conceptual framework will support mapping of the pathways to impacts of TB-stigma reduction interventions.

Patient Preferences for Strategies to Improve Tuberculosis Diagnostic Services in Zambia

IMPORTANCE

Delayed engagement in tuberculosis (TB) services is associated with ongoing transmission and poor clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether patients with TB have differential preferences for strategies to improve the public health reach of TB diagnostic services.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken in which a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was administered between September 18, 2019, and January 17, 2020, to 401 adults (>18 years of age) with microbiologically confirmed TB in Lusaka, Zambia. The DCE had 7 attributes with 2 to 3 levels per attribute related to TB service enhancements. Latent class analysis was used to identify segments of participants with unique preferences. Multiscenario simulations were used to estimate shares of preferences for different TB service improvement strategies.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcomes were patient preference archetypes and estimated shares of preferences for different strategies to improve TB diagnostic services. Collected data were analyzed between January 3, 2022, to July 2, 2022.

RESULTS

Among 326 adults with TB (median [IQR] age, 34 [27-42] years; 217 [66.8%] male; 158 [48.8%] HIV positive), 3 groups with distinct preferences for TB service improvements were identified. Group 1 (192 participants [58.9%]) preferred a facility that offered same-day TB test results, shorter wait times, and financial incentives for testing. Group 2 (83 participants [25.4%]) preferred a facility that provided same-day TB results, had greater privacy, and was closer to home. Group 3 (51 participants [15.6%]) had no strong preferences for service improvements and had negative preferences for receiving telephone-based TB test results. Groups 1 and 2 were more likely to report at least a 4-week delay in seeking health care for their current TB episode compared with group 3 (29 [51.3%] in group 1, 95 [35.8%] in group 2, and 10 [19.6%] in group 3; P < .001). Strategies to improve TB diagnostic services most preferred by all participants were same-day TB test results alone (shares of preference, 69.9%) and combined with a small financial testing incentive (shares of preference, 79.3%), shortened wait times (shares of preference, 76.1%), or greater privacy (shares of preference, 75.0%). However, the most preferred service improvement strategies differed substantially by group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, patients with TB had heterogenous preferences for TB diagnostic service improvements associated with differential health care-seeking behavior. Tailored strategies that incorporate features most valued by persons with undiagnosed TB, including same-day results, financial incentives, and greater privacy, may optimize reach by overcoming key barriers to timely TB care engagement.

Patient and health system level barriers to and facilitators for tuberculosis treatment initiation in Uganda: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The WHO END TB strategy targets to place at least 90% of all patients diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) on appropriate treatment. In Uganda, approximately 20% of patients diagnosed with TB are not initiated on TB treatment. We sought to identify the patient and health system level barriers to and facilitators for TB treatment initiation in Uganda.

METHODS

We conducted the study at ten public health facilities (three primary care, four district and three tertiary referral hospitals). We carried out in-depth interviews with patients diagnosed with TB and key informant interviews with health managers. In addition, we held focus group discussions with healthcare workers involved in TB care. Data collection and thematic analysis of transcripts was informed by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior (COM-B) model. We identified relevant intervention functions using the Behavior Change Wheel.

RESULTS

We interviewed 79 respondents (31 patients, 10 health managers and 38 healthcare workers). Common barriers at the health facility level included; lack of knowledge about the proportion of patients not initiated on TB treatment (psychological capability); difficulty accessing sputum results from the laboratory as well as difficulty tracing patients due to inadequate recording of patient addresses (physical opportunity). At the patient level, notable barriers included long turnaround time for sputum results and lack of transport funds to return to health facilities (physical opportunity); limited TB knowledge (psychological capability) and stigma (social opportunity). The most important facilitators identified were quick access to sputum test results either on the date of first visit (same-day diagnosis) or on the date of first return and availability of TB treatment (physical opportunity). We identified education, restructuring of the service environment to improve sputum results turnaround time and enablement to improve communication of test results as relevant intervention functions to alleviate these barriers to and enhance facilitators for TB treatment initiation.

CONCLUSION

We found that barriers to treatment initiation existed at both the patient and health facility-level across all levels of the (Capability, Opportunity and Motivation) model. The intervention functions identified here should be tested for feasibility.

Adaptation and Validation of the Tuberculosis Related Stigma Scale in Portuguese

Objective: To adapt and validate the Tuberculosis Related Stigma Scale (TRSS) in European Portuguese. Materials and method: A methodological study in a sample of 204 individuals being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis in Portuguese Pulmonary Diagnostic Centers, with at least one month of treatment or in follow-up. The evaluation process of linguistic and conceptual equivalence involved translation, the consensus among judges, back-translation, semantic validation, and pre-testing of the TRSS. The scale’s psychometric properties were assessed by verifying the reliability and validity of the results and calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the exploratory factor analysis of principal components, with Varimax rotation of the scale items. Results: The Portuguese version of the TRSS has a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.94 and has 23 items distributed in two dimensions: “Community’s perspectives on tuberculosis” (11 items) and “Person’s perspectives on tuberculosis” (12 items). Its psychometric characteristics ensure adequate reliability and validity for the Portuguese population. Conclusions: The TRSS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess stigma in people with pulmonary tuberculosis and, to date, the only scale validated in this domain for the Portuguese population, which allows nurses to make an integrated intervention.

Characterising and Addressing the Psychosocial Impact of Tuberculosis in Indonesia (CAPITA): A study protocol

Background: Tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma remains a key barrier for people with TB to access and engage with TB services and can contribute to the development of mental illnesses. This study aims to characterise stigmatisation towards people with TB and its psychosocial impact in Indonesia. Methods: This study will apply a sequential mixed method in two main settings: TB services-based population (setting 1) and workplace-based population (setting 2). In setting 1, we will interview 770 adults with TB who undergo sensitive-drug TB treatment in seven provinces of Indonesia. The interview will use the validated TB Stigma Scale questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and EQ-5D-5L to assess stigma, mental illness, and quality of life. In Setting 2, we will deploy an online questionnaire to 640 adult employees in 12 public and private companies. The quantitative data will be followed by in-depth interview to TB-related stakeholders. Results: CAPITA will not only characterise the enacted stigma which are directly experienced by people with TB, but also self-stigma felt by people with TB, secondary stigma faced by their family members, and structural stigma related to the law and policy. The qualitative analyses will strengthen the quantitative findings to formulate the potential policy direction for zero TB stigma in health service facilities and workplaces. Involving all stakeholders, i.e., people with TB, healthcare workers, National Tuberculosis Program officers, The Ministry of Health Workforce, company managers, and employees, will enhance the policy formulation. The validated tool to measure TB-related stigma will also be promoted for scaling up to be implemented at the national level. Conclusions: To improve patient-centered TB control strategy policy, it is essential to characterise and address TB-related stigma and mental illness and explore the needs for psychosocial support for an effective intervention to mitigate the psychosocial impact of TB.

Analysing interventions designed to reduce tuberculosis-related stigma: A scoping review

Stigma is a critical barrier for TB care delivery; yet data on stigma reduction interventions is limited. This review maps the available literature on TB stigma reduction interventions, using the Health Stigma and Discrimination framework and an implementation analysis to identify research gaps and inform intervention design. Using search terms for TB and stigma, we systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers screened all abstracts, full-texts, extracted data, conducted a quality assessment, and assessed implementation. Results were categorized by socio-ecological level, then sub-categorized by the stigma driver or manifestation targeted. After screening 1865 articles, we extracted data from nine. Three studies were implemented at the individual and interpersonal level using a combination of TB clubs and interpersonal support to target internal and anticipated stigma among persons with TB. Two studies were implemented at the interpersonal level using counselling or a video based informational tool delivered to households to reduce stigma drivers and manifestations. Three studies were implemented at the organizational level, targeting drivers of stigma among healthcare workers (HW) and enacted stigma among HWs. One study was implemented at the community level using an educational campaign for community members. Stakeholder consultation emphasized the importance of policy level interventions and education on the universality of risk to destigmatize TB. Review findings suggest that internal and anticipated TB stigma may be addressed effectively with interventions targeted towards individuals using counselling or support groups. In contrast, enacted TB stigma may be better addressed with information-based interventions implemented at the organizational or community level. Policy level interventions were absent but identified as critical by stakeholders. Implementation barriers included the lack of high-quality training and integration with mental health services. Three key gaps must be addressed in future research: consistent stigma definitions, standardized stigma measurement, and measurement of implementation outcomes.

Feasibility of a multifaceted intervention to improve treatment initiation among patients diagnosed with TB using Xpert MTB/RIF testing in Uganda

BACKGROUND

One in five patients diagnosed with TB in Uganda are not initiated on TB treatment within two weeks of diagnosis. We evaluated a multifaceted intervention for improving TB treatment initiation among patients diagnosed with TB using Xpert® MTB/RIF testing in Uganda.

METHODS

This was a pre-post interventional study at one tertiary referral hospital. The intervention was informed by the COM-B model and included; i) medical education sessions to improve healthcare worker knowledge about the magnitude and consequences of pretreatment loss to follow-up; ii) modified laboratory request forms to improve recording of patient contact information; and iii) re-designed workflow processes to improve timeliness of sputum testing and results dissemination. TB diagnostic process and outcome data were collected and compared from the period before (June to August 2019) and after (October to December 2019) intervention initiation.

RESULTS

In September 2019, four CME sessions were held at the hospital and were attended by 58 healthcare workers. During the study period, 1242 patients were evaluated by Xpert® MTB/RIF testing at the hospital (679 pre and 557 post intervention). Median turnaround time for sputum test results improved from 12 hours (IQR 4-46) in the pre-intervention period to 4 hours (IQR 3-6) in the post-intervention period. The proportion of patients started on treatment within two weeks of diagnosis improved from 59% (40/68) to 89% (49/55) (difference 30%, 95% CI 14%-43%, p<0.01) while the proportion of patients receiving a same-day diagnosis increased from 7.4% (5/68) to 25% (14/55) (difference 17.6%, 95% CI 3.9%-32.7%, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The multifaceted intervention was feasible and resulted in a higher proportion of patients initiating TB treatment within two weeks of diagnosis.

Association of Health Insurance and Documentation with Stigma and Social Support Among Myanmar Migrants with Tuberculosis Before and During Thailand's Policy on Border Closure Due to COVID-19: a Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of health insurance and documentation status on tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma and social support before and during Thailand's policy on border closure.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in two TB clinics in Mae Sot district, a border area of Thailand. Myanmar migrants with new TB were interviewed before (between September 2019 and March 2020) and during Thailand's policy (between April 2020 and January 2021). We used multiple linear regression models to assess the association of health insurance and documentation status with stigma and social support before and during the policy on border closure.

RESULTS

Of 229 migrants diagnosed new TB recruited, 117 and 112 were interviewed before and during Thailand's policy on border closure. The relationship of stigma with health insurance and documentation status was modified by the policy. Migrants with health insurance reported significantly lower stigma during the policy compared to those without health insurance, whereas documented migrants had lower stigma before the policy compared to undocumented migrants. No significant association of health insurance and documentation status with social support was observed. Ethnicity, perceived TB severity and education level were also independently associated with TB-related stigma.

CONCLUSION

The relationships between health insurance, documentation status and TB-related stigma were modified by Thailand's policy on border closure among Myanmar migrants with TB in a border area of Myanmar and Thailand. Promotion of health insurance and well-planned documentation for migrants should be more discussed and strengthened among stakeholders and policymakers.

HIV stigma reduction interventions among health care providers and students in different countries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Health care providers' stigmatizing attitudes are obstacles to patients' well-being and quality of life. Dealing with HIV-related stigma and understanding the impact of feasible interventions on reducing stigmatizing attitudes among health care providers are considered important strategies to improve the quality of HIV care, patient-provider relationships, and provide supportive and safe care services.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to systematically review interventions to reduce HIV-related stigma among health care providers.

METHODS

This systematic review was performed using Medline, CINAHL, ERIC, and APA PsycInfo, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition to search for quasi-experimental studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed to reduce HIV stigma among health care providers. The quality of eligible research studies was independently appraised by two reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of 774 studies were screened, 100 articles were assessed for the eligibility, and 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. All interventions effectively reduced HIV-related stigma. Elements of successful interventions including knowledge modules, peer education, patients' testimonials, Photovoice-informed stigma reduction training, stigma-free space intervention, and popular opinion leaders. Interventions were assessed and compared in terms of contents, delivery modes, HIV stigma measurements, follow-up, and limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review supports the effectiveness of in-person educational interventions at reducing HIV-related stigma among health care providers across countries. Comparisons of delivery modes of interventions indicated that educational interventions delivered by patients' testimonials and peer education strategies are more promising than lecture-based teaching methods. Further studies are needed to assess long-term effects of interventions on clinical behaviors and practices.

Duration and determinants of delayed tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in high-burden countries: a mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Thirty countries with the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden bear 87% of the world's TB cases. Delayed diagnosis and treatment are detrimental to TB prognosis and sustain TB transmission in the community, making TB elimination a great challenge, especially in these countries. Our objective was to elucidate the duration and determinants of delayed diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary TB in high TB-burden countries.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative and qualitative studies by searching four databases for literature published between 2008 and 2018 following PRISMA guidelines. We performed a narrative synthesis of the covariates significantly associated with patient, health system, treatment, and total delays. The pooled median duration of delay and effect sizes of covariates were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses. We identified key qualitative themes using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

This review included 124 articles from 14 low- and lower-middle-income countries (LIC and LMIC) and five upper-middle-income countries (UMIC). The pooled median duration of delays (in days) were-patient delay (LIC/LMIC: 28 (95% CI 20-30); UMIC: 10 (95% CI 10-20), health system delay (LIC/LMIC: 14 (95% CI 2-28); UMIC: 4 (95% CI 2-4), and treatment delay (LIC/LMIC: 14 (95% CI 3-84); UMIC: 0 (95% CI 0-1). There was consistent evidence that being female and rural residence was associated with longer patient delay. Patient delay was also associated with other individual, interpersonal, and community risk factors such as poor TB knowledge, long chains of care-seeking through private/multiple providers, perceived stigma, financial insecurities, and poor access to healthcare. Organizational and policy factors mediated health system and treatment delays. These factors included the lack of resources and complex administrative procedures and systems at the health facilities. We identified data gaps in 11 high-burden countries.

CONCLUSIONS

This review presented the duration of delays and detailed the determinants of delayed TB diagnosis and treatment in high-burden countries. The gaps identified could be addressed through tailored approaches, education, and at a higher level, through health system strengthening and provision of universal health coverage to reduce delays and improve access to TB diagnosis and care. PROSPERO registration: CRD42018107237.

"If I've got latent TB, I would like to get rid of it": Derivation of the CARD (Constraints, Actions, Risks, and Desires) Framework informed by South African healthcare worker perspectives on latent tuberculosis treatment

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers (HWs) have at least twice the risk of tuberculosis (TB) compared to the general population. There is growing emphasis on latent TB infection (LTBI) in high-risk populations. Yet we know little about HWs' perspectives of LTBI testing and treatment to inform implementation in high-incidence settings. We developed a qualitative networked approach to analyze HWs' perspectives on LTBI testing and treatment.

METHODS

We conducted 22 in-depth interviews with nurse and physician stakeholders, who had been recruited as part of a larger study evaluating TB transmission risk in HWs at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. We performed open coding to identify emergent themes and selective coding to identify relevant text citations. We used thematic analysis to inductively derive the CARD (Constraints, Actions, Risks, Desires) framework.

RESULTS

All HWs desired to avoid developing TB but few felt this was actionable. Despite LTBI knowledge gaps, safety and cost concerns, most HWs reported hypothetical willingness to take LTBI treatment. The CARD framework showed that desire and action related to LTBI testing and treatment was clearly framed by the interactions between constraints, administrative action, and risk. The surprise HWs described on receiving a negative LTBI (Quantiferon-Plus) result suggests LTBI testing may recalibrate HWs' perceptions regarding the futility of actions to reduce their TB risk.

CONCLUSIONS

LTBI testing and treatment are acceptable to HWs and could counteract the perceived inevitability of occupational TB infection that currently may limit risk reduction action. This should be coupled with administrative leadership and infrastructural support. The CARD analytic framework is a helpful tool for implementation scientists to understand current practices within complex health systems. Application of CARD could facilitate the development of contextually-relevant interventions to address important public health problems such as occupational TB.

An assessment of current tuberculosis patient care and support policies in high-burden countries

CONTEXT: Adherence to treatment for tuberculosis (TB) is an important predictor of treatment outcomes. The World Health Organization guidelines recommend a patient-centred approach to adherence support; however, the extent to which policies in high-burden countries facilitate this approach remains uncertain.DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of current national patient care and support policies in high TB burden countries was performed.RESULT: Responses were provided by TB care programmes in 23 of the 30 high TB burden countries, comprising 77.4% of TB cases globally. Clinic-based and household adherence support and patient education were recommended in all countries, while policies for digital technologies and social supports have been adopted in a small minority of countries. Financial or material support (such as reimbursement for transportation) and psychological support to patients-if included in the policies-was mainly recommended only for specific sub-groups of patients.CONCLUSION: National policies in many countries have not yet fully adopted global recommendations for patient care and support. Further scale-up of evidence-based approaches to care is required to improve quality of care for patients in high TB burden settings.

Reducing stigma and discrimination associated with COVID-19: early stage pandemic rapid review and practical recommendations

AIMS

To develop recommendations for strategies and interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), through reviewing and synthesising evidence in relation to COVID-19 and other disease outbreaks and infectious/stigmatised conditions from systematic reviews and primary studies and recommendations from additional materials.

METHODS

Rapid review, drawing on the World Health Organization's (WHO) methodology for developing interim guidelines during health emergencies. PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central and Campbell Collaboration searched up to mid-April 2020. Searches were supplemented by reference-searching and expert recommendations. Searches were designed to identify: (1) systematic reviews (<10 years), or (2) primary intervention studies (no date limit) reporting evidence on anti-stigma interventions (in relation to COVID-19 or other infectious/stigmatised conditions) or (3) additional relevant materials. Data were extracted on population, intervention, outcome and results. These data were compiled into evidence summary tables and narrative overviews. Recommendations on strategies for COVID-19 stigma-reduction were developed using the WHO 'Evidence to Decision' framework approach. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42020177677).

RESULTS

The searches identified a total of 4150 potentially relevant records, from which 12 systematic reviews and 29 additional articles were included. Overarching considerations and specific recommendations focus on: (1) language/words used in relation to COVID-19 and affected people; (2) media/journalistic practices; (3) public health interventions; (4) targeted public health interventions for key groups and (5) involving communities and key stakeholders.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations represent the first consolidated evidence-based guidance on stigma and discrimination reduction in relation to COVID-19. Mitigating the impact of stigma is critical in reducing distress and negative experiences, and strengthening communities' resolve to work together during exceptional circumstances. Ultimately, reducing stigma helps addressing structural inequalities that drive marginalisation and exacerbate both health risks and the impact of stigma. Administrations and decision makers are urged to consider integrating these recommendations into the ongoing COVID-19 response.

Psychometric evaluation of a new drug-resistant tuberculosis stigma scale

OBJECTIVES

Stigma contributes to diagnostic delay, disease concealment, and reduced wellbeing for people with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and their communities. Despite the negative effects of stigma, there are no scales to measure stigma in people with MDR-TB. This study aimed to develop and validate a scale to measure stigma in people affected by MDR-TB in Vietnam.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

People with rifampicin-resistant (RR)-MDR-TB who had completed at least 3 months of treatment were invited to complete a survey containing 45 draft stigma items. Data analysis included exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, content, criterion and construct validity, and test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

A total of 315 people with RR/MDR-TB completed the survey. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 14 item RR/MDR-TB stigma scale with four subscales, including guilt, social exclusion, physical isolation, and blame. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were good (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.76, ICC = 0.92). Construct validity was adequate with moderate correlations with related constructs.

CONCLUSION

Our RR/MDR-TB Scale demonstrated good psychometric properties in Vietnam. This scale will assist in the measurement of stigma in people with RR/MDR-TB. It will also aid in the evaluation of stigma reduction interventions in people with RR/MDR-TB.

The contribution of stigma to the transmission and treatment of tuberculosis in a hyperendemic indigenous population in Brazil

Background

The Guarani-Kaiowá are Brazil's second-largest indigenous group. Average annual tuberculosis (TB) incidence rates among the Guarani-Kaiowá are nearly 400/100,000 in Mato Grosso do Sul state, ten times the national average. Although stigma is considered crucial for TB control in indigenous communities, few studies have investigated TB stigma among indigenous populations. This study sought to understand the role of TB-related stigma and perceptions of TB in maintaining hyperendemic TB transmission in the Guarani-Kaiowá communities.

Methods

Various forms of stigma were explored through semi-structured interviews with 19 patients, 11 relatives, and 23 community members. Patients were identified from the registry of the healthcare service. Community members, selected by snowball sampling, were matched by gender and village of residence. Interviews were conducted in Guarani and Portuguese and later translated into English. Framework analysis was performed using NVivo.

Results

Traditional beliefs of a weakening of the body allowing the disease to enter were common, but the exact mechanism of transmission was unknown. Strong community/public stigma associated TB with uncleanliness, abuse, and irresponsibility. Anticipated stigma led to significant treatment delays for fear of exclusion and losing employment. While most patients felt supported by their families, nearly all patients related experienced/enacted stigma in the community such as gossip, avoidance, and social exclusion, leading to long-lasting internalized/self-stigma. Secondary stigmatization of relatives was widespread, and blanket latent TB infection (LTBI) treatment of patients’ households was a contributing factor in treatment delay. The healthcare service unnecessarily added to stigmatization by enforcing separate utensils and sleeping arrangements for patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that stigma is a driver for treatment delay and continued transmission of TB in the community. The stigmatization of TB was rooted in a poor understanding of TB transmission, partly because of incorrect orientation by the healthcare service. Interventions to reduce TB-associated stigma are urgently needed.

Characterizing and Measuring Tuberculosis Stigma in the Community: A Mixed-Methods Study in Cambodia

Background

Stigma is a significant barrier to healthcare and a factor that drives the global burden of tuberculosis (TB). However, there is a scarcity of information on TB stigma in developing countries. We aimed to characterize, measure, and explore the determinants of TB stigma among people with TB in Cambodia.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods study between February and August 2019 using a triangulation convergent design—a cross-sectional survey (n = 730) and nested in-depth interviews (n = 31) among people with TB. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and generalized linear regression models. Qualitative transcripts were thematically analyzed.

Results

A total of 56% and 51% of participants experienced self-stigma and perceived stigma by the community, respectively. We found rural dwellers, knowledge of how TB is transmitted, and knowledge that anybody can get TB were associated with higher levels of self-stigma and perceived stigma by the community. Higher scores on knowledge of TB symptoms were inversely associated with both self-stigma and community stigma. Thematic analyses revealed accounts of experienced stigma, acts of intentional distancing and hiding TB diagnosis from others, and feelings of embarrassment and shame.

Conclusions

Tuberculosis stigma was prevalent, suggesting a need for the incorporation of stigma-reduction strategies in the national TB responses. These strategies should be contextualized and developed through community engagement. Future research should continue to measure the levels and dimensions of TB stigma among people with TB through behavioral surveillance using standardized tools.

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and stigma related to latent tuberculosis infection: a qualitative study among Eritreans in the Netherlands

Background

Tailored and culturally appropriate latent tuberculosis (TB) infection screening and treatment programs, including interventions against TB stigma, are needed to reduce TB incidence in low TB incidence countries. However, we lack insights in stigma related to latent TB infection (LTBI) among target groups, such as asylum seekers and refugees. We therefore studied knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and stigma associated with LTBI among Eritrean asylum seekers and refugees in the Netherlands.

Methods

We used convenience sampling to interview adult Eritrean asylum seekers and refugees: 26 semi-structured group interviews following TB and LTBI related health education and LTBI screening, and 31 semi-structured individual interviews with Eritreans during or after completion of LTBI treatment (November 2016–May 2018). We used a thematic analysis to identify, analyse and report patterns in the data.

Results

Despite TB/LTBI education, misconceptions embedded in cultural beliefs about TB transmission and prevention persisted. Fear of getting infected with TB was the cause of reported enacted (isolation and gossip) and anticipated (concealment of treatment and self-isolation) stigma by participants on LTBI treatment.

Conclusion

The inability to differentiate LTBI from TB disease and consequent fear of getting infected by persons with LTBI led to enacted and anticipated stigma comparable to stigma related to TB disease among Eritreans. Additional to continuous culturally sensitive education activities, TB prevention programs should implement evidence-based interventions reducing stigma at all phases in the LTBI screening and treatment cascade.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12889-020-09697-z.

Mortality and risk of tuberculosis among people living with HIV in whom TB was initially ruled out

Tuberculosis (TB) misdiagnosis remains a public health concern, especially among people living with HIV (PLHIV), given the high mortality associated with missed TB diagnoses. The main objective of this study was to describe the all-cause mortality, TB incidence rates and their associated risk factors in a cohort of PLHIV with presumptive TB in whom TB was initially ruled out. We retrospectively followed a cohort of PLHIV with presumptive TB over a 2 year-period in a rural district in Southern Mozambique. During the study period 382 PLHIV were followed-up. Mortality rate was 6.8/100 person-years (PYs) (95% CI 5.2-9.2) and TB incidence rate was 5.4/100 PYs (95% CI 3.9-7.5). Thirty-six percent of deaths and 43% of TB incident cases occurred in the first 12 months of the follow up. Mortality and TB incidence rates in the 2-year period after TB was initially ruled out was very high. The TB diagnostic work-up and linkage to HIV care should be strengthened to decrease TB burden and all-cause mortality among PLHIV with presumptive TB.

Preparedness of outpatient health facilities for ambulatory treatment with all-oral short DR-TB treatment regimens in Zhytomyr, Ukraine: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Ukraine has a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). Mental health problems, including alcohol use disorder, are common co-morbidities. One in five DR-TB patients has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). As part of health reform, the country is moving from inpatient care to ambulatory primary care for tuberculosis (TB). In Zhytomyr oblast, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is supporting care for DR-TB patients on all-oral short DR-TB regimens. This study describes the preparedness of ambulatory care facilities in Zhytomyr oblast, Ukraine, to provide good quality ambulatory care.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of routinely collected programme data. Before discharge of every patient from the hospital, MSF teams assess services available at outpatient facilities using a standardised questionnaire. The assessment evaluates access, human resources, availability of medicines, infection control measures, laboratory and diagnostic services, and psychosocial support.

RESULTS

We visited 68 outpatient facilities in 22 districts between June 2018 and September 2019. Twenty-seven health posts, 24 TB-units, 13 ambulatories, two family doctors and one polyclinic, serving 30% of DR-TB patients in the oblast by September 2019, were included. All facilities provided directly observed treatment, but only seven (10%) provided weekend-services. All facilities had at least one medical staff member, but TB-training was insufficient and mostly limited to TB-doctors. TB-treatment and adequate storage space were available in all facilities, but only five (8%) had ancillary medicines. HIV-positive patients had to visit a separate facility to access HIV-care. Personal protective equipment was unavailable in 32 (55%) facilities. Basic laboratory services were available in TB-units, but only four (17%) performed audiometry. Only ten (42%) TB-units had psychosocial support available, and nine (38%) offered psychiatric support.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient facilities in Zhytomyr oblast are not yet prepared to provide comprehensive care for DR-TB patients. Capacity of all facilities needs strengthening with trainings, infection control measures and infrastructure. Integration of psychosocial services, treatment of co-morbidities and adverse events at the same facility are essential for successful decentralisation. The health reform is an opportunity to establish quality, patient-centred care.

Tuberculosis-related stigma among adults presenting for HIV testing in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma presents a major barrier to care of persons with TB through its impact on treatment initiation and retention in care. This is particularly challenging in settings with high prevalence of both TB and HIV where fear of HIV/AIDS can amplify stigma surrounding TB. The purpose of this study was to validate a TB stigma scale for use among persons presenting for outpatient HIV screening in the Umlazi township of South Africa and evaluate factors associated with TB-related stigma in this high HIV burden setting.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we measured TB-related stigma in adults prior to HIV testing using a 12-item scale designed to assess experienced and felt TB-related stigma.

RESULTS

Among 848 adults, mean age was 32 years, 54% were male, and the median TB stigma score was 19 of 36 (interquartile range 15-23). We identified two factors in the stigma scale which had excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.85, 0.89). Persons with high TB stigma were more likely to be male (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.28) and have accurate knowledge of TB transmission (aRRR 1.90, 95% CI 1.16-3.10) as compared to those with low stigma. Variables not significantly associated with stigma in the multivariate model included education, income, prior TB or HIV diagnoses, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Male sex and TB knowledge were associated with higher TB stigma in an outpatient HIV clinic in a South African township. Identifying risk factors associated with stigma will be important to guide stigma reduction interventions.

Illness representations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to inform health education strategies and research design-learning from rural Uganda

More than 90% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries; however, few studies have examined the illness experiences of individuals living with and providing treatment for COPD in these settings. This study characterizes illness representations for COPD in Nakaseke, Uganda from the perspectives of health care providers, village health teams and community members (CMs) with COPD. We conducted 40 in-depth, semi-structured interviews (16 health care providers, 12 village health teams and 12 CMs, aged 25-80 years). Interviews were analyzed using inductive coding, and the Illness Representations Model guided our analysis. Stakeholder groups showed concordance in identifying causal mechanisms of COPD, but showed disagreement in reasons for care seeking behaviors and treatment preferences. CMs did not use a distinct label to differentiate COPD from other respiratory illnesses, and described both the physical and social consequences of COPD. Local representations can inform development of adapted educational and self-management tools for COPD.

Developing Feasible, Locally Appropriate Socioeconomic Support for TB-Affected Households in Nepal

Tuberculosis (TB), the leading single infectious diseases killer globally, is driven by poverty. Conversely, having TB worsens impoverishment. During TB illness, lost income and out-of-pocket costs can become “catastrophic”, leading patients to abandon treatment, develop drug-resistance, and die. WHO’s 2015 End TB Strategy recommends eliminating catastrophic costs and providing socioeconomic support for TB-affected people. However, there is negligible evidence to guide the design and implementation of such socioeconomic support, especially in low-income, TB-endemic countries. A national, multi-sectoral workshop was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on the 11th and 12th September 2019, to develop a shortlist of feasible, locally appropriate socioeconomic support interventions for TB-affected households in Nepal, a low-income country with significant TB burden. The workshop brought together key stakeholders in Nepal including from the Ministry of Health and Population, Department of Health Services, Provincial Health Directorate, Health Offices, National TB Program (NTP); and TB/Leprosy Officers, healthcare workers, community health volunteers, TB-affected people, and external development partners (EDP). During the workshop, participants reviewed current Nepal NTP data and strategy, discussed the preliminary results of a mixed-methods study of the socioeconomic determinants and consequences of TB in Nepal, described existing and potential socioeconomic interventions for TB-affected households in Nepal, and selected the most promising interventions for future randomized controlled trial evaluations in Nepal. This report describes the activities, outcomes, and recommendations from the workshop.

Unpacking the dynamics of double stigma: how the HIV-TB co-epidemic alters TB stigma and its management among healthcare workers

BACKGROUND

HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are intricably interlinked in South Africa. The social aspects of this co-epidemic remain relatively unexplored. More specifically, no research has quantitatively explored the double stigma associated with HIV and TB in this context, and more specifically the impact of the co-epidemic on [1] the stigmatisation of TB and [2] the TB stigma mangement strategy of covering (i.e. the use of TB as a cover for having HIV). The current study aims to address this research gap by disentangling the complex mechanisms related to HIV-TB stigma.

METHODS

Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), data of 882 health care workers (HCWs) in the Free State province, South Africa, are analysed to investigate the link between the stigmatization of HIV and TB and the stigma management by those affected. The current study focuses on health care workers (HCWs), as both TB and HIV have a severe impact on this professional group.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate that the perceived link between the epidemics is significantly associated with double HIV-TB stigmatization. Furthermore, the link between the illnesses and the double stigma are driving the stigmatization of TB. Finally, the link between HIV and TB as well as the stigmatization of both diseases by colleagues are associated with an increased use of covering as a stigma management strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first quantitative study disentagling the mediating role of double stigma in the context of the co-epidemic as well as the impact of the co-epidemic on the social connotations of TB. The results stress the need for an integrated approach in the fight against HIV and TB recognizing the intertwined nature of the co-epidemic, not only in medical-clinical terms, but also in its social consequences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

South African National Clinical Trials Register, registration ID: DOH-27-1115-5204. Prospectively registered on 26 August 2015.

Stigma reduction interventions for children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: Systematic review of intervention strategies

Stigmatisation and discrimination are common worldwide, and have profound negative impacts on health and quality of life. Research, albeit limited, has focused predominantly on adults. There is a paucity of literature about stigma reduction strategies concerning children and adolescents, with evidence especially sparse for low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This systematic review synthesised child-focused stigma reduction strategies in LMIC, and compared these to adult-focused interventions. Relevant publications were systematically searched in July and August 2018 in the following databases; Cochrane, Embase, Global Health, HMIC, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed and WorldWideScience.org, and through Google Custom Search. Included studies and identified reviews were cross-referenced. Three categories of search terms were used: (i) stigma, (ii) intervention, and (iii) LMIC settings. Data on study design, participants and intervention details including strategies and implementation factors were extracted. Within 61 unique publications describing 79 interventions, utilising 14 unique stigma reduction strategies, 14 papers discussed 21 interventions and 10 unique strategies involving children. Most studies targeted HIV/AIDS (50% for children, 38% for adults) or mental illness (14% vs 34%) stigma. Community education (47%), individual empowerment (15%) and social contact (12%) were most employed in child-focused interventions. Most interventions were implemented at one socio-ecological level; child-focused interventions mostly employed community-level strategies (88%). Intervention duration was mostly short; between half a day and a week. Printed or movie-based material was key to deliver child-focused interventions (37%), while professionals most commonly implemented adult-focused interventions (53%). Ten unique, child-focused strategies were all evaluated positively, using a diverse set of scales. Children and adolescents are under-represented in stigma reduction in LMIC. More stigma reduction interventions in LMIC, addressing a wider variety of stigmas, with children as direct and indirect target group, are needed. This systematic review is registered under International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO, reference number #CRD42018094700.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to TB among the general population of Ethiopia: Findings from a national cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION

Ethiopia is among the high-burden countries for tuberculosis (TB), TB/HIV, and drug-resistant TB. The aim of this nationwide study was to better understand TB-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) and generate evidence for policy and decision-making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional TB KAP survey in seven regions and two city administrations of Ethiopia. Eighty kebeles (wards) and 40 health centers were randomly selected for the study. Using systematic sampling, 22 households and 11 TB patients were enrolled from each selected village and health center, respectively. Variables with a value of p = < 0.25 were included in the model for logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 3,503 participants, 884 (24.4%), 836 (24.1%), and 1,783 (51.5%) were TB patients, families of TB patients, and the general population, respectively. The mean age was 34.3 years, and 50% were women. Forty-six percent were heads of households, 32.1% were illiterate, 20.3% were farmers, and 19.8% were from the lowest quintile. The majority (95.5%) had heard about TB, but only 25.8% knew that TB is caused by bacteria. Cough or sneezing was reported as the commonest means of TB transmission. The majority (85.3%) knew that TB could be cured. Men, better-educated people, and TB patients and their families have higher knowledge scores. Of 2,483 participants, 96% reported that they would go to public health facilities if they developed TB symptoms.

DISCUSSION

Most Ethiopians have a high level of awareness about TB and seek care in public health facilities, and communities are generally supportive. Inadequate knowledge about TB transmission, limited engagement of community health workers, and low preference for using community health workers were the key challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

Given misconceptions about TB's causes, low preference for use of community health workers, and inadequate engagement, targeted health education interventions are required to improve TB services.

'Something so hard': a mixed-methods study of home sputum collection for tuberculosis contact investigation in Uganda

BACKGROUND

Home sputum collection could facilitate prompt evaluation and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) among contacts of patients with active TB. We analyzed barriers to home-based collection as part of an enhanced intervention for household TB contact investigation in Kampala, Uganda.

DESIGN

We conducted a convergent mixed-methods study to describe the outcomes of home sputum collection in 91 contacts and examine their context through 19 nested contact interviews and two focus group discussions with lay health workers (LHWs).

RESULTS

LHWs collected sputum from 35 (39%) contacts. Contacts reporting cough were more likely to provide sputum than those with other symptoms or risk factors (53% vs. 15%, RR 3.6, 95%CI 1.5-2.8, P < 0.001). Males were more likely than females to provide sputum (54% vs. 32%, RR 1.7, 95%CI 1.0-2.8, P = 0.05). Contacts said support from the index patient and the convenience of the home visit facilitated collection. Missing containers and difficulty producing sputum spontaneously impeded collection. Women identified stigma as a barrier. LHWs emphasized difficulty in procuring sputum and discomfort pressing contacts to produce sputum.

CONCLUSIONS

Home sputum collection by LHWs entails different challenges from sputum collection in clinical settings. More research is needed to develop interventions to mitigate stigma and increase success of home-based collection.

"Who Will Marry a Diseased Girl?" Marriage, Gender, and Tuberculosis Stigma in Asia

In a qualitative study on the stigma associated with tuberculosis (TB), involving 73 interviews and eight focus groups conducted in five sites across three countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan), participants spoke of TB's negative impact on the marriage prospects of women in particular. Combining the approach to discovering grounded theory with a conceptualization of causality based on a realist ontology, we developed a theory to explain the relationships between TB, gender, and marriage. The mechanism at the heart of the theory is TB's disruptiveness to the gendered roles of wife (or daughter-in-law) and mother. It is this disruptiveness that gives legitimacy to the rejection of marriage to a woman with TB. Whether or not this mechanism results in a negative impact of TB on marriage prospects depends on a range of contextual factors, providing opportunities for interventions and policies.

Stigma against tuberculosis may hinder non-household contact investigation: a qualitative study in Thailand

Setting

A northern province in Thailand.

Objectives

To explore experiences and perspectives on tuberculosis (TB) contact investigations in non-household contacts.

Design

Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with eight groups: three groups of former TB patients (teachers, students and hospital staff) and five groups of representatives from congregate settings such as schools and workplaces. Data were analysed using the modified grounded theory.

Result

Annual health check-ups at the workplace contributed to the early detection of active TB in teachers. Former TB patients were highly exposed to non-household contacts, but contact investigations were limited to household contacts only. Barriers and facilitators for non-household contact investigations are associated with five factors, including information, awareness and knowledge about TB; stigma; empathy; health system response and informing non-household contacts about TB exposure. Stigma may be the main barrier to investigations among non-household contacts because TB patients tend to withhold information about their diagnosis from colleagues. Lack of knowledge and misperceptions regarding TB transmission contributed to stigma. Empathy with other people encouraged TB patients to inform non-household contacts.

Conclusion

Non-household contact investigations are not performed despite the risk of TB transmission. To promote contact investigations in congregate settings, interventions to overcome TB stigma and improve public knowledge about TB transmission are required.

Being safe, feeling safe, and stigmatizing attitude among primary health care staff in providing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care in Bantul District, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

INTRODUCTION

Patient-centered care approach in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care requires health worker safety that covers both being safe and feeling safe to conduct the services. Stigma has been argued as a barrier to patient-centered care. However, there has been relatively little research addressing the issues of safety and stigma among health staff. This paper explored the issue of being safe, feeling safe, and stigmatizing attitude among health staff working with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases in primary health care facilities in Indonesia.

METHODS

Using a mixed methods research design, data was collected with structured questionnaires among 123 staff, observations of infection control in 17 primary health care facilities, and in-depth interviews among 22 staff.

RESULTS

The findings showed suboptimal infection control infrastructures for the primary health care facilities. The knowledge and motivation to follow multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care protocols are suboptimal. Feeling unsafe is related to stigmatizing attitude in providing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care.

CONCLUSION

Being safe, feeling unsafe, and stigmatizing attitude are challenges in providing patient-centered multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care in primary health care facilities in Indonesia. Serious efforts are needed on all levels to ensure safety and prevent irrational stigma.

Out of the silos: identifying cross-cutting features of health-related stigma to advance measurement and intervention

BACKGROUND

Many health conditions perceived to be contagious, dangerous or incurable, or resulting in clearly visible signs, share a common attribute - an association with stigma and discrimination. While the etiology of stigma may differ between conditions and, sometimes, cultural settings, the manifestations and psychosocial consequences of stigma and discrimination are remarkably similar. However, the vast majority of studies measuring stigma or addressing stigma through interventions employ a disease-specific approach.

MAIN BODY

The current paper opposes this siloed approach and advocates a generic concept of 'health-related stigma' in both stigma measurement and stigma interventions. Employing a conceptual model adapted from Weiss, the current paper demonstrates the commonalities among several major stigmatized conditions by examining how several stigma measurement instruments, such as the Social Distance Scale, Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness, and Berger stigma scale, and stigma reduction interventions, such as information-based approaches, contact with affected persons, (peer) counselling, and skills building and empowerment, were used successfully across a variety of conditions to measure or address stigma. The results demonstrate that 'health-related stigma' is a viable concept with clearly identifiable characteristics that are similar across a variety of stigmatized health conditions in very diverse cultures.

CONCLUSION

A more generic approach to the study of health-related stigma opens up important practical opportunities - cross-cutting measurement and intervention tools are resource saving and easier to use for personnel working with multiple conditions, allow for comparison between conditions, and recognize the intersectionality of many types of stigma. Further research is needed to build additional evidence demonstrating the advantages and effectiveness of cross-condition approaches to stigma measurement and interventions.

Implementation science and stigma reduction interventions in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Interventions to alleviate stigma are demonstrating effectiveness across a range of conditions, though few move beyond the pilot phase, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Implementation science offers tools to study complex interventions, understand barriers to implementation, and generate evidence of affordability, scalability, and sustainability. Such evidence could be used to convince policy-makers and donors to invest in implementation. However, the utility of implementation research depends on its rigor and replicability. Our objectives were to systematically review implementation studies of health-related stigma reduction interventions in LMICs and critically assess the reporting of implementation outcomes and intervention descriptions.

METHODS

PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched for evaluations of stigma reduction interventions in LMICs reporting at least one implementation outcome. Study- and intervention-level characteristics were abstracted. The quality of reporting of implementation outcomes was assessed using a five-item rubric, and the comprehensiveness of intervention description and specification was assessed using the 12-item Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR).

RESULTS

A total of 35 eligible studies published between 2003 and 2017 were identified; of these, 20 (57%) used qualitative methods, 32 (91%) were type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation studies, and 29 (83%) were evaluations of once-off or pilot implementations. No studies adopted a formal theoretical framework for implementation research. Acceptability (20, 57%) and feasibility (14, 40%) were the most frequently reported implementation outcomes. The quality of reporting of implementation outcomes was low. The 35 studies evaluated 29 different interventions, of which 18 (62%) were implemented across sub-Saharan Africa, 20 (69%) focused on stigma related to HIV/AIDS, and 28 (97%) used information or education to reduce stigma. Intervention specification and description was uneven.

CONCLUSION

Implementation science could support the dissemination of stigma reduction interventions in LMICs, though usage to date has been limited. Theoretical frameworks and validated measures have not been used, key implementation outcomes like cost and sustainability have rarely been assessed, and intervention processes have not been presented in detail. Adapted frameworks, new measures, and increased LMIC-based implementation research capacity could promote the rigor of future stigma implementation research, helping the field deliver on the promise of stigma reduction interventions worldwide.

Stigma in health facilities: why it matters and how we can change it

Stigma in health facilities undermines diagnosis, treatment, and successful health outcomes. Addressing stigma is fundamental to delivering quality healthcare and achieving optimal health. This correspondence article seeks to assess how developments over the past 5 years have contributed to the state of programmatic knowledge-both approaches and methods-regarding interventions to reduce stigma in health facilities, and explores the potential to concurrently address multiple health condition stigmas. It is supported by findings from a systematic review of published articles indexed in PubMed, Psychinfo and Web of Science, and in the United States Agency for International Development's Development Experience Clearinghouse, which was conducted in February 2018 and restricted to the past 5 years. Forty-two studies met inclusion criteria and provided insight on interventions to reduce HIV, mental illness, or substance abuse stigma. Multiple common approaches to address stigma in health facilities emerged, which were implemented in a variety of ways. The literature search identified key gaps including a dearth of stigma reduction interventions in health facilities that focus on tuberculosis, diabetes, leprosy, or cancer; target multiple cadres of staff or multiple ecological levels; leverage interactive technology; or address stigma experienced by health workers. Preliminary results from ongoing innovative responses to these gaps are also described.The current evidence base of stigma reduction in health facilities provides a solid foundation to develop and implement interventions. However, gaps exist and merit further work. Future investment in health facility stigma reduction should prioritize the involvement of clients living with the stigmatized condition or behavior and health workers living with stigmatized conditions and should address both individual and structural level stigma.