ANALYZE THE COPING OF PATIENTS AFFECTED BY TUBERCULOSIS IN RELATION TO PREJUDICE AND STIGMA OF THE DISEASE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593952316117

• Palavras-chave: “Tuberculosis; Social prejudice; Stigma; Public health"

• Keywords: “Tuberculosis; Social prejudice; Stigma; Public health"

• Abstract:

  INTRODUCTION: According to the analysis of the studies included, it was seen that the stigma and prejudice of those living with a diagnosis of tuberculosis is multifactorial, which includes the low level of education of the population, thus culminating in ignorance of the disease, its forms of transmission, treatment and possibility of cure. Furthermore, this lack of information among the population causes prejudice against those diagnosed with this disease. Other associated factors are socioeconomic issues and lack of access to health services specialized in tuberculosis. The results of these studies indicate that stigma towards patients does not is only linked to their general physical state, but also to their emotional part, due to the prejudice installed in society, which is why patients are often excluded from their social and family environment. An important finding that came into agreement in the studies included, it was that treatment and adherence are influenced by internal and external actions in the patient's life, such as rejection through contagion, silence regarding the diagnosis and prejudice. Therefore, a multifactorial approach is necessary to reduce these stigmas. Researching and learning more about the topic covered will expand the Student's scientific knowledge, serving as a source for future studies, giving them scientific support to improve the care provided to their patients, which confirms the relevance of the study in seeking local information. GOAL: The present study aimed to analyze stigma, prejudice and coping among individuals affected by tuberculosis. METHODOLOGY: Integrative literature review, exploratory and meta-analysis. Through bibliographical research. Research method that analyzes published knowledge about a given topic, enabling its synthesis and expanding understanding of the object of study of interest. After analyzing the articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, articles were selected, between the years 2013 and 2023, taken from articles from the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), in which the descriptors were used: “Tuberculosis; Social prejudice; Stigma; Public health".

  RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The term stigma was originally described by several authors researched in this study, as an undesirable or derogatory attribute in the eyes of society, and may be a physical or social mark with a negative connotation, which leads the individual to marginalization and/or exclusion from their social relationships. According to the authors cited in the study, social stigma can have a strong impact on the lives of patients and families. 

  CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it is highlighted that tuberculosis, in addition to affecting the individual physically and emotionally, also affects the control strategies implemented, therefore, public awareness of this disease and its stigmas require both efforts from government actions, health actions for the population and health professionals. In view of this situation, educational campaigns that promote knowledge about the disease, its transmission routes and treatment must be promoted, in order to gradually reduce these stigmas and prejudices.