Stigma and discrimination of tuberculosis in India: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis remains a major public health issue in India, with the country responsible for 1 in 5 of all confirmed TB cases worldwide. Tuberculosis and other communicable diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, leprosy, etc. have been associated by society for decades with stigma and discrimination; this may interfere with the lifestyle and management of disease among these patients. Objective: To perform a systematic literature review to assess the scenario of stigma, discrimination, and elimination of TB in India.Methods: The literature search was carried out using databases like PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The results were correlated and analysis was performed.Results: The studies projected various aspects of discrimination and stigma faced by TB patients. Further, detailed results will be discussed during the conference.Conclusion: Positive therapy interventions are recommended for advancing age and education patients with tuberculosis that can help reduce stigma and improve the quality of life.