P110
‘I was in a place where I was going to be healed. Let others think what they want’: A qualitative study on the experience of having tuberculosis in a sample of the Portuguese population
P Barbosa(1) T Silva(3) A Aguiar(1,2) M Marques(4) A Gomes(3) M Pinto(5) R Duarte(1,2,6)
1:EPIUnit ITR, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 2:Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 3:Unidade de Saúde Pública da ULS Tâmega e Sousa, Pólo Vale Sousa Norte, Paços de Ferreira, Portugal; 4:Unidade Local de Saúde de Gaia/Espinho, EPE, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; 5:Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto, Porto; 6:Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, INSA-Porto, Porto, Portugal
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health concern with significant impacts on physical and emotional well-being. This study explores the perceptions of individuals with TB regarding their diagnosis and its effects on their daily lives.
Methods: A qualitative approach was employed to collect and analyze the experiences of 22 individuals diagnosed with TB. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, focusing on reactions to the diagnosis, disclosure practices, stigma, and social support.
Results: Reactions to the diagnosis varied, ranging from relief and trust in treatment to shock and sadness. Most participants felt comfortable disclosing their diagnosis to social networks, recognizing its importance for awareness and prevention. However, some reported fear of stigma, leading to limited disclosure and self-isolation. Stigma was associated with fear of contagion, social distancing, and emotional distress, including loneliness and frustration. Support from family and friends was identified as a key factor in mitigating stigma and emotional difficulties. Negative experiences, including stigmatization in social and healthcare settings, were also reported.
Discussion: TB-related stigma has a complex impact, influencing disclosure, mental health, and social interactions. While social support serves as a protective factor, stigma exacerbates emotional challenges and may hinder care-seeking. Holistic TB care should integrate strategies to reduce stigma, promote mental health, and strengthen social networks to improve patient outcomes.