Impact of Community-Level Stigma on Mental Health Outcomes in TB-Affected Individuals
Keywords:
Tuberculosis, Stigma, Mental Health, CommunityAbstract
Objective: To evaluate mental health outcomes among TB affected individuals
Material & Methods: Patients with tuberculosis who visited the TB Health Care Center in Lahore between September 2024 and May 2025 participated in a cross-sectional survey. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee. All procedures performed were in accordance with institutional guidelines, and informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection. Convenient sampling was used to choose the respondents. Before the survey began, each patient's informed permission was also obtained
Result: 200 patients in all, with a mean age of 45 ± 17.4 years, participated; 77% of them were men and 55% were married. A household income of between 26,000 and 50,000 PKR was earned by almost half, and 56% were enrolled in continuing therapy. 50% reported moderate illness severity, and 35% smoked and had co-morbidities. Anxiety (53%), depression (61.5%), and a lack of social support (44.5%) were prevalent. Gender, education, the severity and length of the condition, and the stage of therapy were all substantially correlated with perceived stigma. The length and severity of the condition, low income, and education were all associated with poor social support. Patients who had been with the condition longer, had less education, and felt stigmatized were more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
Conclusion:The severity and length of the disease, together with social and demographic variables, exacerbate the psychological misery and shame that TB patients frequently endure. To tackle these issues, specific public awareness campaigns and protection from marginalization are necessary. Such initiatives can enhance the quality of life for patients and advance a society that is more inclusive and caring
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