Tuberculosis (TB) is the tenth leading cause of death worldwide. About 1.3 million people die from TB each year, and most of them are in developing countries. The stigma associated with TB is a barrier to seeking treatment and adequate care. It causes a delay in treatment-seeking and diagnosis and thus decreases the likelihood of being cured and ultimately leads to death. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions, attitudes, experiences, and opinions about stigma related to TB among adults infected with TB and adults who were not infected with TB. Our study was qualitative in nature. The study was conducted in the community of Bolgatanga municipality of the upper-east region of Ghana. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted; one with six TB-infected females, one with seven TB-infected males, and one with six non-TB-infected participants. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and presented in pre-defined and/or emerging themes: perception about signs and symptoms observed by TB infected person, attitudes towards TB patients before and after diagnosis, reasons for stigmatization, perception about diagnostic testing, and taking the drugs. Transcripts of the discussions were read, and a list of meanings for units, codes, and themes was generated on the research question. We identified the existence of stigma associated with TB. TB-infected male patients had more autonomy in decision-making about receiving treatment and other family matters compared to female TB patients. TB-infected women suffered more economic vulnerability due to the loss of their work, and the stigma was worsened due to delayed diagnosis and treatment, and they were regarded as liabilities rather than assets. TB-infected patients became stigmatized because non-TB-infected community participants did not want to come into close contact with them. Our findings suggest heightening of advocacy, communication, social mobilization, and health education on TB in the community of Bolgatanga municipality is needed to allay TB-related stigma, especially for women.
Keywords: Bolgatanga; Ghana; stigma; tuberculosis.