Background: TB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, TB treatment completion, and the overall quality of TB services. Yet, the dimensions, experiences, and manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs are largely unknown in our region, particularly in the context of Tanzania. This knowledge gap prompted the researchers to design the current study. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data on TB-related stigma among HCWs who provide TB services in 20 selected health facilities in 5 regions (provinces) of Tanzania. Data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The results have been presented as frequency tables with respective percentages, figures, and quotes. Results: Seventy-nine (79) HCWs were recruited. The overall level of perceived TB-related stigma among HCWs was 52.57%, predominated by negative attitudes and stigmatizing behaviors towards TB patients. About one-fifth (21.52%) of the HCWs were stigmatized because their work involved interacting with TB-infected people. The common manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs were isolation, avoidance, and underappreciation both at the workplace and in the community. Such actions were mostly driven by fear of contracting TB. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HCWs do not only have to contend with a high level of perceived TB-related stigma but are also stigmatized because of attending to TB patients. This stigma threatens to undermine the non-discriminatory access and quality of TB services. Therefore, there is an urgent call for reciprocal attention aimed to reduce TB-related stigma in healthcare settings to improve, ultimately, TB control in Tanzania.
| Published in | American Journal of Health Research (Volume 11, Issue 1) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14 |
| Page(s) | 23-30 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Tuberculosis, Stigma, Healthcare Workers, Health Facilities, Tanzania
| [1] | WHO. Global tuberculosis report 2021 [Internet]. 2021. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/tb-reports |
| [2] | Ministry of Health. Report of the United Republic of Tanzania National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme Joint External Review [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://ntlp.go.tz/resources/journals/ |
| [3] | Craig GM, Daftary A, Engel N, Driscoll SO, Ioannaki A. TB Stigma as a social determinant of health: a systematic mapping review of research in low incidence countries. Int J Infect Dis [Internet]. 2016; S1201-9712 (16): 1–44. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2016.10.011 |
| [4] | Daftary A, Mitchell EMH, Reid MJA, Fekadu E, Goosby E. To end TB, the first-ever high-level meeting on tuberculosis must address stigma. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2018; 99 (5): 1114–6. |
| [5] | Cremers AL, Gerrets R, Kapata N, Kabika A, Birnie E, Klipstein-grobusch K, et al. Tuberculosis patients ’ pre-hospital delay and non-compliance with a longstanding DOT programme : a mixed methods study in urban Zambia. BMC Public Health [Internet]. 2016; 16 (1130): 1–11. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3771-9 |
| [6] | Mohammed S, Sajun SZ, Khan FS. Harnessing Photovoice for tuberculosis advocacy in Karachi, Pakistan. Heal Promot Int. 2013; 30 (2): 262–9. |
| [7] | Wouters E, Sommerland N, Masquillier C, Rau A, Engelbrecht M, Rensburg AJ Van, et al. Unpacking the dynamics of double stigma : how the HIV-TB co-epidemic alters TB stigma and its management among healthcare workers. BMC Infect Dis. 2020; 20 (106): 1–12. |
| [8] | Cremers AL, Laat MM De, Kapata N, Gerrets R, Klipstein-grobusch K, Grobusch MP. Assessing the Consequences of Stigma for Tuberculosis Patients in Urban Zambia. Res Artic. 2015; 113: 1–16. |
| [9] | Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Protocol for the identification of discrimination against people living with HIV [Internet]. Geneva; 2000. Available from: http://www.unaids.org |
| [10] | Arininta N. Effects of Social and Self Stigma on Adolescent Tuberculosis Patients. Rev Prim Care Pract Educ. 2019; 2 (1): 43–5. |
| [11] | Nyblade L, Stangl A, Weiss E, Ashburn K. Journal of the International AIDS Combating HIV stigma in health care settings : what works ? J Int AIDS Soc. 2009; 12 (15): 1–7. |
| [12] | Stewart T, Ba R, Mpsych H, Psych C. Nurses ’ responses to people with schizophrenia. J ofAdvanced Nurs. 1998; 27: 195–203. |
| [13] | Challenge TB. TB Stigma Measurement Guidance. 2018. |
| [14] | National TB Control Program National TB Control Program and Ghana-West Africa Program to Combat AIDS and STI (WAPCAS)., STI SG-WAP to CA and. Assessing the Stigma of Tuberculosis in Ghana: Consequences to Accessing and Provision of Services [Internet]. 2020. Available from: et/files/TB-Stigma-Index-Ghana-2020.pdf |
| [15] | CO 100% LIFE. TB STIGMA ASSESSMENT IN UKRAINE [Internet]. 2021. Available from: https://www.uiphp.org.ua/media/k2/attachments/Zvit_100Life_Stigma_TB_ENG.pdf |
| [16] | Atsu E, Kelly SJ. Manifestations of tuberculosis stigma within the healthcare system : The case of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan district in Ghana. Health Policy (New York) [Internet]. 2010; 98 (2–3): 195–202. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2010.06.017 |
| [17] | Dodor EA. HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EXPOSE TB PATIENTS TO STIGMATIZA- TION IN SOCIETY : INSIGHTS FROM COMMUNITIES IN AN URBAN DISTRICT IN GHANA. GHANA Med J. 2008; 42 (4): 144–8. |
| [18] | Sommerland N, Masquillier C, Rau A, Engelbrecht M, Kigozi G, Pliakas T, et al. Reducing HIV- and TB-Stigma among healthcare co-workers in South Africa : Results of a cluster randomised trial. Soc Sci Med [Internet]. 2020; 266 (113450): 1–10. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113450 |
| [19] | Dodor EA, Kelly S, Neal K. Health professionals as stigmatisers of tuberculosis : Insights from community members and patients with TB in an urban district in Ghana. Psychol Health Med [Internet]. 2009; 14 (3): 301–10. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548500902730127 |
| [20] | Ross CA, Goldner EM, Vb C. Stigma, negative attitudes and discrimination towards mental illness within the nursing profession : a review. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2009; 16: 558–67. |
| [21] | Allport GW. allport_Nature_of_prejudice.pdf. In: EDITION 25th ANNIVESARY, editor. Nature of prejudice [Internet]. 25th ANNIV. MESLO PARK CALIFORNIA: ADDISON-WESLEY PUBLISHING COMPANY; 1949. p. 28–43. Available from: https://faculty.washington.edu/caporaso/courses/203/readings/allport_Nature_of_prejudice.pdf |
| [22] | Williams. Goffman’s theory of Consequences for health and stigmatisation and labelling: illness [Internet]. Goffman’s theory of Consequences for health and stigmatisation and labelling: illness. 1987. p. 134–64. Available from: https://www.academia.edu/30491334/Goffmans_theory_of_stigmatisation_and_labelling_Consequences_for_health_and_illness_12_Module_4_The_social_meanings_of_the_body_health_and_illness |
| [23] | Chime PE, Okoli PC, Chime EN, Anekpo CC, Ozougwu AO, Ofojebe PC. Diseases Associated with Stigma: A Review. Open J Psychiatry. 2022; 12 (02): 129–40. |
| [24] | National Academy of Sciences. Ending discrimination against people with mental and substance use disorders: The evidence for stigma change [Internet]. THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS. Washington, DC 20001; 2016. Available from: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/23442/ending-discrimination-against-people-with-mental-and-substance-use-disorders |
| [25] | Isbn C, Pdf T, Press NA, Academy N, Panel S, Interactions E, et al. Tuberculosis in the Workplace. Marilyn J. Field, editor. Vol. II, National Academy of Sciences. Washington, D. C.: NATIONAL ACADEMY PRESS •; 1985. 790 p. |
| [26] | Courtwright A. Tuberculosis and Stigmatization : Pathways and Interventions. Pract Artic. 2010; 125 (4): 34–42. |
| [27] | Mukerji R, Turan JM. Exploring manifestations of TB-related stigma experienced by women in Kolkata, India. Ann Glob Heal. 2018; 84 (4): 727–35. |
| [28] | Courtwright A, Turner AN. Tuberculosis and stigmatization: Pathways and interventions. Public Health Rep. 2010; 125 (SUPPL. 4): 34–42. |
| [29] | Nofalia I. A Systematic Review of Stigma Among Tuberculosis Patient And Its Effect. Int J Psychosoc Rehabil. 2020; 24 (7): 9116–25. |
APA Style
Wilbard Deogratias Muhandiki, Lucas Eliaimringi Matemba, Ndakibae Gabriel Mabega, Riziki Michael Kisonga, Emmanuel Heriel Matechi, et al. (2023). Tuberculosis-Related Stigma Among Healthcare Workers in Tanzania: Level, Experience and Manifestations. American Journal of Health Research, 11(1), 23-30. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14
ACS Style
Wilbard Deogratias Muhandiki; Lucas Eliaimringi Matemba; Ndakibae Gabriel Mabega; Riziki Michael Kisonga; Emmanuel Heriel Matechi, et al. Tuberculosis-Related Stigma Among Healthcare Workers in Tanzania: Level, Experience and Manifestations. Am. J. Health Res. 2023, 11(1), 23-30. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14
AMA Style
Wilbard Deogratias Muhandiki, Lucas Eliaimringi Matemba, Ndakibae Gabriel Mabega, Riziki Michael Kisonga, Emmanuel Heriel Matechi, et al. Tuberculosis-Related Stigma Among Healthcare Workers in Tanzania: Level, Experience and Manifestations. Am J Health Res. 2023;11(1):23-30. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14
Share This Article
Twitter
Linked In
Facebook
Copy
Download@article{10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14,
author = {Wilbard Deogratias Muhandiki and Lucas Eliaimringi Matemba and Ndakibae Gabriel Mabega and Riziki Michael Kisonga and Emmanuel Heriel Matechi and Hamimu Omary Kigumi and Gerald Phares Mwing’a and Onay Godson Lwanzali and Joseph Nyamuhuri Musuguri and Oscar Leonard Kaswaga and Eliakimu Paul Kapyolo},
title = {Tuberculosis-Related Stigma Among Healthcare Workers in Tanzania: Level, Experience and Manifestations},
journal = {American Journal of Health Research},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {23-30},
doi = {10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajhr.20231101.14},
abstract = {Background: TB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, TB treatment completion, and the overall quality of TB services. Yet, the dimensions, experiences, and manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs are largely unknown in our region, particularly in the context of Tanzania. This knowledge gap prompted the researchers to design the current study. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data on TB-related stigma among HCWs who provide TB services in 20 selected health facilities in 5 regions (provinces) of Tanzania. Data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The results have been presented as frequency tables with respective percentages, figures, and quotes. Results: Seventy-nine (79) HCWs were recruited. The overall level of perceived TB-related stigma among HCWs was 52.57%, predominated by negative attitudes and stigmatizing behaviors towards TB patients. About one-fifth (21.52%) of the HCWs were stigmatized because their work involved interacting with TB-infected people. The common manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs were isolation, avoidance, and underappreciation both at the workplace and in the community. Such actions were mostly driven by fear of contracting TB. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HCWs do not only have to contend with a high level of perceived TB-related stigma but are also stigmatized because of attending to TB patients. This stigma threatens to undermine the non-discriminatory access and quality of TB services. Therefore, there is an urgent call for reciprocal attention aimed to reduce TB-related stigma in healthcare settings to improve, ultimately, TB control in Tanzania.},
year = {2023}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Tuberculosis-Related Stigma Among Healthcare Workers in Tanzania: Level, Experience and Manifestations AU - Wilbard Deogratias Muhandiki AU - Lucas Eliaimringi Matemba AU - Ndakibae Gabriel Mabega AU - Riziki Michael Kisonga AU - Emmanuel Heriel Matechi AU - Hamimu Omary Kigumi AU - Gerald Phares Mwing’a AU - Onay Godson Lwanzali AU - Joseph Nyamuhuri Musuguri AU - Oscar Leonard Kaswaga AU - Eliakimu Paul Kapyolo Y1 - 2023/02/21 PY - 2023 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14 DO - 10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14 T2 - American Journal of Health Research JF - American Journal of Health Research JO - American Journal of Health Research SP - 23 EP - 30 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2330-8796 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20231101.14 AB - Background: TB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, TB treatment completion, and the overall quality of TB services. Yet, the dimensions, experiences, and manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs are largely unknown in our region, particularly in the context of Tanzania. This knowledge gap prompted the researchers to design the current study. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data on TB-related stigma among HCWs who provide TB services in 20 selected health facilities in 5 regions (provinces) of Tanzania. Data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The results have been presented as frequency tables with respective percentages, figures, and quotes. Results: Seventy-nine (79) HCWs were recruited. The overall level of perceived TB-related stigma among HCWs was 52.57%, predominated by negative attitudes and stigmatizing behaviors towards TB patients. About one-fifth (21.52%) of the HCWs were stigmatized because their work involved interacting with TB-infected people. The common manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs were isolation, avoidance, and underappreciation both at the workplace and in the community. Such actions were mostly driven by fear of contracting TB. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HCWs do not only have to contend with a high level of perceived TB-related stigma but are also stigmatized because of attending to TB patients. This stigma threatens to undermine the non-discriminatory access and quality of TB services. Therefore, there is an urgent call for reciprocal attention aimed to reduce TB-related stigma in healthcare settings to improve, ultimately, TB control in Tanzania. VL - 11 IS - 1 ER -
Email: