Tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment; qualitative study on the coping mechanisms for economic consequences

ABSTRACT

Pakistan is eighth among countries with high burden of tuberculosis [TB]. In Pakistan free-of-charge TB diagnosis and treatment services are available. The objective of qualitative exploratory study was to understand how TB patients and their families cope with the lost earnings and increased expenditures [other than diagnosis and treatment cost] related with disease and its treatment. The research methods included literature review, focus group discussion using vignettes and in-depth interviews with TB patients. The study was done in the rural areas of Lahore District with the support of district and local health facility staff. The study revealed that, Results like in many other developing countries, TB patients rely mainly on financial and physical support of family members and friends. Conclusion The study also highlighted the need for developing institutional mechanisms to help patients cope with economic consequences of tuberculosis