Tuberculosis-related knowledge, practices, perceived stigma and discrimination among patients with tuberculosis: a cross-sectional study in Jordan.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis knowledge, practices, and perceived stigma and discrimination among patients with tuberculosis are key factors for the management of the disease. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge, practices, perceived stigma and discrimination, perceived family and health workers support, perceived level of satisfaction with healthcare services, delay in diagnosis/treatment and reasons for delay among patients with tuberculosis in Jordan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who were under treatment for tuberculosis in Jordan in 2021. RESULTS: This study included a total of 452 patients with tuberculosis. About 91.4% of patients had low to moderate overall tuberculosis-related knowledge score and 8.6% had high knowledge score. Almost two-thirds of patients (67.5%) had perceived a low level of stigma, 61 (13.5%) perceived a moderate level of stigma, and 86 (19.0%) perceived a high level of stigma. The majority (84.5%) of patients with tuberculosis thought that there was a delay in diagnosis and/or treatment of tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: Our study showed gaps in tuberculosis knowledge and practices, high perceived stigma and discrimination, and perceived delay in diagnosis and treatment initiation,. Efforts within the national tuberculosis control program should be made to increase public awareness about the symptoms of tuberculosis and the importance of seeking early care.