Cultural attitudes of society towards tuberculosis patients: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the view on tuberculosis of individuals living in an urban setting. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between April and May in 2015 in in the Balcova region of Izmir, Turkey, and comprised healthy adults who did not have tuberculosis. Data was collected via information form of socio-demographic features and a semi-structured questionnaire. Focus group interviews were conducted. Data collection was terminated when data reached saturation point. Data was analysed using content analysis. Results: Data analysis of 26 subjects in all revealed three main themes; information about tuberculosis, perceptions, attitudes and behaviour regarding tuberculosis or tuberculosis patients and stigmatisation and its causes. Conclusion: Findings showed that participants didn't have sufficient information about tuberculosis, had prejudices and fears about the disease and patients, and isolated them.