THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH IN REDUCING THE BURDEN OF TUBERCULOSIS IN HIGH HIV PREVALENCE SETTINGS

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem. The HIV⁄AIDS epidemic negatively affects tuberculosis control in many countries. The United Nations has set the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aiming to halve TB prevalence and mortality by the year 2015. In this paper, the authors summarize the global situation of TB associated with HIV⁄AIDS (TB⁄HIV), WHO‘s interim policy on TB⁄HIV, as well as the status and needs of social science research. The authors reviewed two major social interventions which are critical for TB control in HIV high prevalence settings, namely those to reduce stigma and those to promote adherence to TB⁄HIV medication. The review suggests that more social science research should be implemented in resource limited countries.