Social prejudice affecting TB patients and their families is hampering TB control efforts, a study by the International Center for Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR) has revealed. It shows that about 28 percent of people with TB experience the impact of stigma or prejudice in the first three stages of their treatment and service cycle.
This information was given in the seminar organized on Tuesday (April 23) in the capital Mahakhalist ICDDR, Bir Sasakawa Auditorium to publish the results of the research titled ‘Stigma related to tuberculosis in Bangladesh’.
It is said that social prejudice or stigma has a lot of influence in Bangladesh. Tuberculosis patients and their family members
Due to various social discrimination. The survey, which was conducted in urban and rural areas of Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chittagong and Dhaka districts from July to December 2023, used Stop TB Partnership’s ‘TB Stigma Assessment Data Collection Tool’. The participants were persons with tuberculosis in the last five years and their family members, community representatives and health care providers.
Dr. Nadeem Reza, Technical Advisor, Public Private Mix, ICDDR, B under Saira Banu, Senior Statistical Officer Tanzina Rahman and Research Officer Tamanna Sultana presented the results of the study.
Stigma is often seen as a social behavior in which individuals and groups are socially stigmatized, researchers said in the first-of-its-kind Global Fund-funded study conducted in the country. They are victims of humiliating and negative behavior. The study explored the presence and extent of stigma among TB patients and their family members, community representatives, and health care providers. The results of the research have shown different socio-economic picture. Research shows that stigma related to tuberculosis affects women more. They suffer from social disrespect, harassment and financial difficulties.
The study found that about 28 percent of people with TB experience the effects of stigma in the first three stages of their treatment and care cycle. About 22 percent of their family members face stigma. And 14% of TB patients and 11% of their family members also feel stigma at home.
The study highlighted the widespread impact of TB-related stigma in Bangladesh, identifying it as a major barrier to accessing TB services. Urgent action is called for to address the structural and social causes of stigma. It aims to ensure quality medical care and strengthen national TB control efforts.
Additional Director General of the Department of Health Professor Dr. was present as the chief guest. Mirzadi Sabrina Flora. He said, stigma has always existed about various diseases including tuberculosis. The reason for this depends on lack of education as well as mentality. As a result, it is not certain whether doctors are free from stigma or not. Our care providers also often allow patients to be treated remotely. Which sometimes reaches a sad state.
He also said that if the government gives the formula of what can be done to control TB, the government will definitely implement it. We need to offer solutions from knowledge based advice. We have achieved a lot in controlling TB but we have a long way to go.
Executive Director of ICDDR, Dr. Tahmid Ahmed said, once people were afraid to talk about tuberculosis, but now the name of tuberculosis is heard in any part of the country. This is due to successful initiatives of the National Tuberculosis Control Programme. Due to the strong role of the government as well as the dedication of those working on TB at ICDDR, B. This is how we must work together to tackle the formidable challenge of TB.
Director General of Health Education Department Professor Dr. Md. Titu Mia, Director of the National Preventive and Social Medical Institute, Nipsom, Prof. Dr. Md. Samiul Islam, line director of National Tuberculosis Control Program. Md. Mahafuzar Rahman Sarkar and Senior Scientist of ICDDR, B. Saira Banu and others.
AAM/MIHS
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