Social stigma among tuberculosis patients attending an urban health training centre in central India: a cross-sectional study

Aditya Patil; Abhay Chavan

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263633

Authors

Aditya Patil Department of Community Medicine, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Abhay Chavan Department of Community Medicine, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263633

Keywords:

Tuberculosis, TB-related social stigma, Urban health training centre, Van Rie TB stigma scale

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) in India contributes a large share of the global burden. Beyond physical illness, patients often face emotional strain, discrimination and unfavourable community attitudes that hinder care-seeking and adherence. Knowing how common stigma is and what drives it, is important for TB control.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at an urban health training centre of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Central India between November 2025 and April 2026. Eighty diagnosed TB patients aged ≥18 years were recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and the Van Rie TB Stigma Scale. Statistical analysis used: Associations were examined using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test where expected cell counts were small, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Males predominated (48 vs 32); the commonest age group was 18–30 years. Pulmonary TB was present in 56 patients and extrapulmonary TB in 24. On the stigma scale, 18 (22.5%) had low, 38 (47.5%) moderate and 24 (30.0%) high stigma, thus 77.5% experienced moderate-to-high stigma. Stigma was significantly associated with socio-economic status (p=0.017) but not education (p=0.59) or occupation (p=0.68).

Conclusions: A sizeable proportion of TB patients experienced moderate-to-high social stigma, a notable psychosocial burden in TB care. Community awareness, patient counselling and supportive training for health workers may help reduce stigma and improve treatment outcomes.

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