Knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of tuberculosis among community members in Ntcheu district, Malawi
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Dove Medical Press
Abstract
Introduction: The global burden of tuberculosis (TB) remains significantly high, with overreliance 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.
Description
CITATION: Nyasulu, P., et al. 2018. Knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of tuberculosis among community members in Ntcheu district, Malawi. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 11:375-389, doi:10.2147/JMDH.S156949.
The original publication is available at https://www.dovepress.com
The original publication is available at https://www.dovepress.com
Keywords
Tuberculosis -- Public opinion -- Ntcheu District (Malawi)
Citation
Nyasulu, P., et al. 2018. Knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of tuberculosis among community members in Ntcheu district, Malawi. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 11:375-389, doi:10.2147/JMDH.S156949