A study in Dhaka, Bangladesh, reveals that tuberculosis (TB) patients experience high levels of depression and stigma during treatment. Conducted between August and September 2023, the research involved 224 patients, with 111 in the intensive treatment phase and 113 in the continuation phase. Overall, 56.2% of participants reported depression, with no significant differences between treatment phases. Anticipated stigma was found in 74.6% of patients, while social stigma affected 37.5%, with both forms of stigma remaining consistent across treatment phases. Pulmonary TB patients faced higher odds of experiencing both types of stigma. Living with family increased anticipated stigma, while patient counseling provided protective benefits. Depression was linked to challenges in adhering to treatment, ongoing TB symptoms, and social stigma. The findings emphasize the necessity for ongoing mental health support for TB patients, advocating for integrated care that includes depression screening, stigma reduction, and enhanced counseling to improve patient outcomes.
Phase-wise comparison of depression and stigma among tuberculosis patients undergoing treatment in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Flag this News post: Phase-wise comparison of depression and stigma among tuberculosis patients undergoing treatment in Dhaka, Bangladesh for removalFor more information, visit the original source.