TY - JOUR
T1 - Knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of tuberculosis among community members in Ntcheu district, Malawi
AU - Nyasulu, Peter
AU - Sikwese, Simon
AU - Chirwa, Tobias
AU - Makanjee, Chandra
AU - Mmanga, Madalitso
AU - Babalola, Joseph Omoniyi
AU - Mpunga, James
AU - Banda, Hastings T.
AU - Muula, Adamson S.
AU - Munthali, Alister C.
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - Introduction: The global burden of tuberculosis (TB) remains significantly high, with over-reliance on biomedical interventions and inadequate exploration of the socioeconomic and cultural context of the infected population. A desired reduction in disease burden can be enhanced through a broader theoretical understanding of people's health beliefs and concerns about TB. In this qualitative study, we explore the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of community members and people diagnosed with TB toward TB in Ntcheu district, Malawi. Methods: Using a qualitative phenomenological study design, data were obtained from eight focus-group discussions and 16 individual in-depth interviews. The community's experiences and perceptions of TB were captured without using any preconceived framework. Adult participants who had had or never had a diagnosis of TB were purposively selected by sex and age and enrolled for the study. Discussions and individual interviews lasting about 60 minutes each were audiotaped, transcribed, and translated into English and analyzed using MaxQDA 10 software for qualitative analysis. Results: Most participants believed that TB was curable and would go for diagnosis if they had symptoms suggestive of the disease. However, based on their beliefs, individuals expressed some apprehension about the spread of TB and the social implications of being diagnosed with the disease. This perception affected participants' responses about seeking diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: A supportive and collective approach consisting of a combination of mass media, interactive communication campaigns, emphasizing TB symptoms, transmission, and stigma could be useful in addressing barriers to early diagnosis and care-seeking behavior.
AB - Introduction: The global burden of tuberculosis (TB) remains significantly high, with over-reliance on biomedical interventions and inadequate exploration of the socioeconomic and cultural context of the infected population. A desired reduction in disease burden can be enhanced through a broader theoretical understanding of people's health beliefs and concerns about TB. In this qualitative study, we explore the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of community members and people diagnosed with TB toward TB in Ntcheu district, Malawi. Methods: Using a qualitative phenomenological study design, data were obtained from eight focus-group discussions and 16 individual in-depth interviews. The community's experiences and perceptions of TB were captured without using any preconceived framework. Adult participants who had had or never had a diagnosis of TB were purposively selected by sex and age and enrolled for the study. Discussions and individual interviews lasting about 60 minutes each were audiotaped, transcribed, and translated into English and analyzed using MaxQDA 10 software for qualitative analysis. Results: Most participants believed that TB was curable and would go for diagnosis if they had symptoms suggestive of the disease. However, based on their beliefs, individuals expressed some apprehension about the spread of TB and the social implications of being diagnosed with the disease. This perception affected participants' responses about seeking diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: A supportive and collective approach consisting of a combination of mass media, interactive communication campaigns, emphasizing TB symptoms, transmission, and stigma could be useful in addressing barriers to early diagnosis and care-seeking behavior.
KW - Beliefs
KW - Knowledge
KW - Malawi
KW - Ntcheu
KW - Perception of TB
KW - Tuberculosis
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85059025683&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2147/JMDH.S156949
DO - 10.2147/JMDH.S156949
M3 - Article
SN - 1178-2390
VL - 11
SP - 375
EP - 389
JO - Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare
JF - Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare
ER -