Healthcare professionals perspectives on tuberculosis barriers in Portuguese prisons-a qualitative study.
J Public Health (Oxf)
; 46(3): e389-e399, 2024 Aug 25.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38710659
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, particularly within prison settings, where the confluence of adverse health factors and high-risk behaviors contribute to a heightened risk of transmission. This study delves into the perspectives of medical doctors, regarding the implementation of the 2014 TB protocol in Portugal.METHODS:
The study has a qualitative, descriptive design. Individual semi-structured interviews with medical doctors from TB outpatient centers in Porto and Lisbon were used for data collection. For the analysis thematic analysis method was used.RESULTS:
The study population comprised 21 medical doctors with the majority being female (61.9%) and 57.1% specializing in pulmonology. The results indicate varied perceptions of the protocol's usefulness, with positive impacts on coordination reported by some participants. Improved communication and evolving collaboration between TB outpatient centers and prisons were highlighted, although challenges in contact tracing and resource constraints were acknowledged. The study also sheds light on the role of nurses in patient education.CONCLUSION:
Despite overall positive perceptions, challenges such as sustaining therapy post-symptomatic improvement and delays in diagnostic methods were identified. The findings underscore the importance of continuous collaboration between prisons and TB control programs to address challenges, improve disease control and prevent TB transmission.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Prisões
/
Tuberculose
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Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde
/
Pesquisa Qualitativa
Limite:
Adult
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Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Public Health (Oxf)
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Portugal