Socio-cultural and Knowledge-Based Barriers to Tuberculosis Diagnosis for Women in Bhopal, India

In India, only one woman is diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) for every 2.4 men. Previous studies have indicated gender disparities in care-seeking behavior and TB diagnosis; however, little is known about the specific barriers women face. This study aimed to characterize socio-cultural and knowledge...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Indian journal of community medicine 2016-01, Vol.41 (1), p.62-64
Main Authors: McArthur, Evonne, Bali, Surya, Khan, Azim A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Access to information
Age
Bhopal
Diagnosis
Gender
Health care access
Interviews
Mens health
Microscopy
Mycobacterium
Patients
Short Communication
Social aspects
Stigma
Studies
Tuberculosis
Women
Women's health
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Summary:In India, only one woman is diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) for every 2.4 men. Previous studies have indicated gender disparities in care-seeking behavior and TB diagnosis; however, little is known about the specific barriers women face. This study aimed to characterize socio-cultural and knowledge-based barriers that affected TB diagnosis for women in Bhopal, India. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 affected women and 6 health-care workers. The Bhopal Diagnostic Microscopy Laboratory Register (n = 121) and the Bhopal district report (n = 261) were examined for diagnostic and care-seeking trends. Women, especially younger women, faced socio-cultural barriers and stigma, causing many to hide their symptoms. Older women had little awareness about TB. Women often sought treatment from private practitioners, resulting in delayed diagnosis. Understanding these diagnostic and help-seeking behaviors barriers for women is critical for development of a gender-sensitive TB control program.
ISSN:0970-0218
1998-3581
DOI:10.4103/0970-0218.170990