[Perceptions and practices related with tuberculosis and treatment compliance in Chiapas, Mexico]

Abstract

Objective: To identify health perceptions and practices and non-adherence to therapy among tuberculosis patients.

Material and methods: Qualitative research work consisting of 11 group interviews with 62 tuberculosis patients during 1997-1998 in the Central, Highlands, and Border Regions of Chiapas, Mexico.

Results: Perceived causes of tuberculosis included contagion via food utensils, excess work, malnutrition, and cold, as well as other causes unrelated to person-to-person contagion. The resulting incapability to work resulted in an economic crisis for both the patients and their family members. As a result of the social stigma imposed by the disease, patients perceived a negative impact on their personal life, family, work, and community.

Conclusions: Lack of knowledge regarding tuberculosis is an important factor in the selection of and adherence to different care alternatives. Inadequate care provided by health services, including an unsatisfactory physician-patient relationship, resulted in diagnostic delay and non-adherence to therapy. Education programs to promote basic knowledge regarding tuberculosis and its treatment are necessary in this region.