Background: TB-related stigma is a barrier to ending TB. Because of stigma, patients with TB can ... more Background: TB-related stigma is a barrier to ending TB. Because of stigma, patients with TB can be delayed in seeking treatment, receiving a diagnosis, initiating and completing treatment, and consequently increasing the transmission of the disease within a community. Information regarding the magnitude and consequences of TB-related stigma in Tanzania are generally missing in our setting. The study aimed to generate such information to inform the planning and implementation of TB-related stigma reduction strategies. Methods: Between September 2021 and February 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data on TB-related stigma among people with or who had TB (PWTB) in five regions of Tanzania. The survey utilized adapted structured questionnaires developed by the Stop TB Partnership. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and the results were presented in tables. Results: The study recruited a total of 418 PWTB, with 276 (66%) being male and 86 (18.4%) having TB-HIV co-infection. Among the participants, 86 PWTB (20.6%) reported experiencing stigma due to their TB status. The most common settings where PWTB encountered stigma were within their families (50%), communities (36%), and workplaces (10%). Delays in seeking care (16.7%), obtaining an accurate diagnosis (15%), and initiating treatment (27%) were identified as the most common consequences associated with TB-related stigma. Participants' region, age, education level, and type of TB were factors significantly associated with experiencing TB-related stigma. Conclusion: This study revealed a moderate level of TB-related stigma experienced by TB patients, primarily originating from family members, neighbors, and co-workers. Furthermore, the findings emphasized the impact of TB-related stigma on the delay in seeking medical care for TB diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, this study highlights the need for the prompt inclusion of TB stigma reduction strategies in the TB prevention and control program in Tanzania.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of public importance worldwide including T... more Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of public importance worldwide including Tanzania. There is increasing recognition that TB-related stigma is a barrier to TB control and prevention. However, there is a paucity of information about community TB-related stigma in our settings. This study was objected to assess the level, experiences, and manifestations of community TB-related stigma. Methods: Between September 2021 and February 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative information about community TB-related stigma in five regions of Tanzania. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data among community members using a modified questionnaire to assess community TB stigma created by the Stop TB Partnership. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarize and present findings of this study. Results: One hundred seventy-one (171) community members were recruited. The overall level of community TB-related stigma was 71.5%. The TB stigma was mainly characterized by supporting behaviours and attitudes that limit contact with TB patients. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the community members experienced community members being stigmatized because of their TB status. The common manifestations of community TB-related stigma were isolation, mistreatment, being denied supports, and refusing to share housing, eating and drinking utensils. Conclusion: This study showed a relatively high level of community TB-related stigma in Tanzania, suggesting the need to include TB stigma reduction interventions in national TB control and prevention response strategies.
Background: TB-related stigma is a recognized barrier to efforts to End TB. It affects early diag... more Background: TB-related stigma is a recognized barrier to efforts to End TB. It affects early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment and can potentially interrupt treatment. Understanding the dimension of TB-related stigma and its manifestations is critical to planning appropriate TB stigma reduction responses. However, this information is largely unknown in Tanzania. This study assessed the level and manifestations of self-TB-related stigma among people with TB. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was deployed to collect quantitative and qualitative data among people with TB in five regions of Tanzania between September 2021 and February 2022. Face-to-face interviews were used to obtain data from the participants using a modified questionnaire developed by the Stop TB Partnership to assess TB-related stigma among TB patients. Descriptive and thematic analysis were used to summarize and present findings. Results: Four hundred eighteen (418) participants were recruited, of whom 276 (66%) were males. The overall level of self-TB-related stigma was 40%, predominated by agreement of behaviours and attitudes limiting disclosure of TB status. TB-related stigma commonly manifested as social isolation, fear of contracting TB, verbal abuse, gossip, and an unwillingness to share eating utensils. Conclusion: This study showed a relatively moderate level of self-TB-related stigma among TB patients, characterized by fear of disclosure of TB status. Moreover, TB patients are inclined to be socially isolated, gossiped, and maltreated. These findings suggest the need to include TB stigma reduction responses in national TB prevention and control efforts.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of public importance worldwide including T... more Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of public importance worldwide including Tanzania. There is increasing recognition that TB-related stigma is a barrier to TB control and prevention. However, there is a paucity of information about community TB-related stigma in our settings. This study was objected to assess the level, experiences, and manifestations of community TB-related stigma. Methods: Between September 2021 and February 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative information about community TB-related stigma in five regions of Tanzania. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data among community members using a modified questionnaire to assess community TB stigma created by the Stop TB Partnership. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarize and present findings of this study. Results: One hundred seventy-one (171) community members were recruited. The overall level of community TB-related stigma was 71.5%. The TB stigma was mainly characterized by supporting behaviours and attitudes that limit contact with TB patients. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the community members experienced community members being stigmatized because of their TB status. The common manifestations of community TB-related stigma were isolation, mistreatment, being denied supports, and refusing to share housing, eating and drinking utensils. Conclusion: This study showed a relatively high level of community TB-related stigma in Tanzania, suggesting the need to include TB stigma reduction interventions in national TB control and prevention response strategies.
Background: The overlap of symptoms, geographic and seasonal co-occurrence of Plasmodium, Leptosp... more Background: The overlap of symptoms, geographic and seasonal co-occurrence of Plasmodium, Leptospira and Rickettsia infections makes malaria diagnosis difficult, increasing the chances of misdiagnosis. The paucity of data on the prevalence Plasmodium, Leptospira and Rickettsia infections contributes to an overly diagnosis of malaria. We aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of Plasmodium, Leptospira and Rickettsia infections in northern Tanzania. Methods: A community based, cross sectional survey was conducted in two sites in Northern Tanzania. PCR was used to detect Plasmodium, Leptospira and Rickettsia infections. Results: The prevalence of P. falciparum and Leptospira spp were 31/128 (24.2%) and 3/128 (2.3%), respectively. No Rickettsia infection was detected in any of the two sites. Taking study sites separately, Plasmodium infection was detected in 31/63(49.2%) of participants in Bondo while Leptospira infection was detected in 3/65(4.6%) of participants in Magugu....
Background. A major challenge to malaria vaccine development is identification of protective epit... more Background. A major challenge to malaria vaccine development is identification of protective epitopes and respective protective immune responses. Objective. To characterize naturally acquired Immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to the synthetic peptide AS202.11, a malaria vaccine candidate. Methodology. This community based cross-sectional study enrolled 320 participants aged 1 year and above. Demographic information was recorded through interviews. Detection of P. falciparum infection was done by microscopy, malaria rapid diagnostic test, and polymerase chain reaction. ELISA was used to detect IgG antibody. Data was analyzed using STATA. Results. The overall AS202.11 IgG seropositivity was 78.8% (73.9–82.9). Seropositivity by age categories was ≤12 years [74.3% (67.4–80.2)], 13–40 years [85.3% (76.5–91.1)], and >40 years [82.6% (68.7–91.1)]. Compared to the ≤ 12-year-old group, aORs for the other groups were 2.22 (1.14–4.32), p=0.019, and 1.87 (0.81–4.35), p=0.143, for the 13–40-ye...
Background: TTB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-se... more Background: TTB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, TB treatment completion, and the overall quality of TB services. Yet, the dimensions, experiences, and manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs are largely unknown in our region, particularly in the context of Tanzania. This knowledge gap prompted the researchers to design the current study. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data on TB-related stigma among HCWs who provide TB services in 20 selected health facilities in 5 regions (provinces) of Tanzania. Data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The results have been presented as frequency tables with respective percentages, figures, and quotes. Results: Seventy-nine (79) HCWs were recruited. The overall level of perceived TB-related stigma among HCWs was 52.57%, predominated by negative attitudes and stigmatizing behaviors towards TB patients. About one-fifth (21.52%) of the HCWs were stigmatized because their work involved interacting with TB-infected people. The common manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs were isolation, avoidance, and underappreciation both at the workplace and in the community. Such actions were mostly driven by fear of contracting TB. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HCWs do not only have to contend with a high level of perceived TB-related stigma but are also stigmatized because of attending to TB patients. This stigma threatens to undermine the non-discriminatory access and quality of TB services. Therefore, there is an urgent call for reciprocal attention aimed to reduce TB-related stigma in healthcare settings to improve, ultimately, TB control in Tanzania
Background: TTB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-se... more Background: TTB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, TB treatment completion, and the overall quality of TB services. Yet, the dimensions, experiences, and manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs are largely unknown in our region, particularly in the context of Tanzania. This knowledge gap prompted the researchers to design the current study. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data on TB-related stigma among HCWs who provide TB services in 20 selected health facilities in 5 regions (provinces) of Tanzania. Data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The results have been presented as frequency tables with respective percentages, figures, and quotes. Results: Seventy-nine (79) HCWs were recruited. The overall level of perceived TB-related stigma among HCWs was 52.57%, predominated by negative attitudes and stigmatizing behaviors towards TB patients. About one-fifth (21.52%) of the HCWs were stigmatized because their work involved interacting with TB-infected people. The common manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs were isolation, avoidance, and underappreciation both at the workplace and in the community. Such actions were mostly driven by fear of contracting TB. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HCWs do not only have to contend with a high level of perceived TB-related stigma but are also stigmatized because of attending to TB patients. This stigma threatens to undermine the non-discriminatory access and quality of TB services. Therefore, there is an urgent call for reciprocal attention aimed to reduce TB-related stigma in healthcare settings to improve, ultimately, TB control in Tanzania
Background: TB-related stigma is a barrier to ending TB. Because of stigma, patients with TB can ... more Background: TB-related stigma is a barrier to ending TB. Because of stigma, patients with TB can be delayed in seeking treatment, receiving a diagnosis, initiating and completing treatment, and consequently increasing the transmission of the disease within a community. Information regarding the magnitude and consequences of TB-related stigma in Tanzania are generally missing in our setting. The study aimed to generate such information to inform the planning and implementation of TB-related stigma reduction strategies. Methods: Between September 2021 and February 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data on TB-related stigma among people with or who had TB (PWTB) in five regions of Tanzania. The survey utilized adapted structured questionnaires developed by the Stop TB Partnership. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and the results were presented in tables. Results: The study recruited a total of 418 PWTB, with 276 (66%) being male and 86 (18.4%) having TB-HIV co-infection. Among the participants, 86 PWTB (20.6%) reported experiencing stigma due to their TB status. The most common settings where PWTB encountered stigma were within their families (50%), communities (36%), and workplaces (10%). Delays in seeking care (16.7%), obtaining an accurate diagnosis (15%), and initiating treatment (27%) were identified as the most common consequences associated with TB-related stigma. Participants' region, age, education level, and type of TB were factors significantly associated with experiencing TB-related stigma. Conclusion: This study revealed a moderate level of TB-related stigma experienced by TB patients, primarily originating from family members, neighbors, and co-workers. Furthermore, the findings emphasized the impact of TB-related stigma on the delay in seeking medical care for TB diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, this study highlights the need for the prompt inclusion of TB stigma reduction strategies in the TB prevention and control program in Tanzania.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of public importance worldwide including T... more Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of public importance worldwide including Tanzania. There is increasing recognition that TB-related stigma is a barrier to TB control and prevention. However, there is a paucity of information about community TB-related stigma in our settings. This study was objected to assess the level, experiences, and manifestations of community TB-related stigma. Methods: Between September 2021 and February 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative information about community TB-related stigma in five regions of Tanzania. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data among community members using a modified questionnaire to assess community TB stigma created by the Stop TB Partnership. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarize and present findings of this study. Results: One hundred seventy-one (171) community members were recruited. The overall level of community TB-related stigma was 71.5%. The TB stigma was mainly characterized by supporting behaviours and attitudes that limit contact with TB patients. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the community members experienced community members being stigmatized because of their TB status. The common manifestations of community TB-related stigma were isolation, mistreatment, being denied supports, and refusing to share housing, eating and drinking utensils. Conclusion: This study showed a relatively high level of community TB-related stigma in Tanzania, suggesting the need to include TB stigma reduction interventions in national TB control and prevention response strategies.
Background: TB-related stigma is a recognized barrier to efforts to End TB. It affects early diag... more Background: TB-related stigma is a recognized barrier to efforts to End TB. It affects early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment and can potentially interrupt treatment. Understanding the dimension of TB-related stigma and its manifestations is critical to planning appropriate TB stigma reduction responses. However, this information is largely unknown in Tanzania. This study assessed the level and manifestations of self-TB-related stigma among people with TB. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was deployed to collect quantitative and qualitative data among people with TB in five regions of Tanzania between September 2021 and February 2022. Face-to-face interviews were used to obtain data from the participants using a modified questionnaire developed by the Stop TB Partnership to assess TB-related stigma among TB patients. Descriptive and thematic analysis were used to summarize and present findings. Results: Four hundred eighteen (418) participants were recruited, of whom 276 (66%) were males. The overall level of self-TB-related stigma was 40%, predominated by agreement of behaviours and attitudes limiting disclosure of TB status. TB-related stigma commonly manifested as social isolation, fear of contracting TB, verbal abuse, gossip, and an unwillingness to share eating utensils. Conclusion: This study showed a relatively moderate level of self-TB-related stigma among TB patients, characterized by fear of disclosure of TB status. Moreover, TB patients are inclined to be socially isolated, gossiped, and maltreated. These findings suggest the need to include TB stigma reduction responses in national TB prevention and control efforts.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of public importance worldwide including T... more Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of public importance worldwide including Tanzania. There is increasing recognition that TB-related stigma is a barrier to TB control and prevention. However, there is a paucity of information about community TB-related stigma in our settings. This study was objected to assess the level, experiences, and manifestations of community TB-related stigma. Methods: Between September 2021 and February 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative information about community TB-related stigma in five regions of Tanzania. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data among community members using a modified questionnaire to assess community TB stigma created by the Stop TB Partnership. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarize and present findings of this study. Results: One hundred seventy-one (171) community members were recruited. The overall level of community TB-related stigma was 71.5%. The TB stigma was mainly characterized by supporting behaviours and attitudes that limit contact with TB patients. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the community members experienced community members being stigmatized because of their TB status. The common manifestations of community TB-related stigma were isolation, mistreatment, being denied supports, and refusing to share housing, eating and drinking utensils. Conclusion: This study showed a relatively high level of community TB-related stigma in Tanzania, suggesting the need to include TB stigma reduction interventions in national TB control and prevention response strategies.
Background: The overlap of symptoms, geographic and seasonal co-occurrence of Plasmodium, Leptosp... more Background: The overlap of symptoms, geographic and seasonal co-occurrence of Plasmodium, Leptospira and Rickettsia infections makes malaria diagnosis difficult, increasing the chances of misdiagnosis. The paucity of data on the prevalence Plasmodium, Leptospira and Rickettsia infections contributes to an overly diagnosis of malaria. We aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of Plasmodium, Leptospira and Rickettsia infections in northern Tanzania. Methods: A community based, cross sectional survey was conducted in two sites in Northern Tanzania. PCR was used to detect Plasmodium, Leptospira and Rickettsia infections. Results: The prevalence of P. falciparum and Leptospira spp were 31/128 (24.2%) and 3/128 (2.3%), respectively. No Rickettsia infection was detected in any of the two sites. Taking study sites separately, Plasmodium infection was detected in 31/63(49.2%) of participants in Bondo while Leptospira infection was detected in 3/65(4.6%) of participants in Magugu....
Background. A major challenge to malaria vaccine development is identification of protective epit... more Background. A major challenge to malaria vaccine development is identification of protective epitopes and respective protective immune responses. Objective. To characterize naturally acquired Immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to the synthetic peptide AS202.11, a malaria vaccine candidate. Methodology. This community based cross-sectional study enrolled 320 participants aged 1 year and above. Demographic information was recorded through interviews. Detection of P. falciparum infection was done by microscopy, malaria rapid diagnostic test, and polymerase chain reaction. ELISA was used to detect IgG antibody. Data was analyzed using STATA. Results. The overall AS202.11 IgG seropositivity was 78.8% (73.9–82.9). Seropositivity by age categories was ≤12 years [74.3% (67.4–80.2)], 13–40 years [85.3% (76.5–91.1)], and >40 years [82.6% (68.7–91.1)]. Compared to the ≤ 12-year-old group, aORs for the other groups were 2.22 (1.14–4.32), p=0.019, and 1.87 (0.81–4.35), p=0.143, for the 13–40-ye...
Background: TTB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-se... more Background: TTB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, TB treatment completion, and the overall quality of TB services. Yet, the dimensions, experiences, and manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs are largely unknown in our region, particularly in the context of Tanzania. This knowledge gap prompted the researchers to design the current study. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data on TB-related stigma among HCWs who provide TB services in 20 selected health facilities in 5 regions (provinces) of Tanzania. Data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The results have been presented as frequency tables with respective percentages, figures, and quotes. Results: Seventy-nine (79) HCWs were recruited. The overall level of perceived TB-related stigma among HCWs was 52.57%, predominated by negative attitudes and stigmatizing behaviors towards TB patients. About one-fifth (21.52%) of the HCWs were stigmatized because their work involved interacting with TB-infected people. The common manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs were isolation, avoidance, and underappreciation both at the workplace and in the community. Such actions were mostly driven by fear of contracting TB. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HCWs do not only have to contend with a high level of perceived TB-related stigma but are also stigmatized because of attending to TB patients. This stigma threatens to undermine the non-discriminatory access and quality of TB services. Therefore, there is an urgent call for reciprocal attention aimed to reduce TB-related stigma in healthcare settings to improve, ultimately, TB control in Tanzania
Background: TTB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-se... more Background: TTB-related stigma among healthcare workers (HCWs) can negatively impact on health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, TB treatment completion, and the overall quality of TB services. Yet, the dimensions, experiences, and manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs are largely unknown in our region, particularly in the context of Tanzania. This knowledge gap prompted the researchers to design the current study. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data on TB-related stigma among HCWs who provide TB services in 20 selected health facilities in 5 regions (provinces) of Tanzania. Data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The results have been presented as frequency tables with respective percentages, figures, and quotes. Results: Seventy-nine (79) HCWs were recruited. The overall level of perceived TB-related stigma among HCWs was 52.57%, predominated by negative attitudes and stigmatizing behaviors towards TB patients. About one-fifth (21.52%) of the HCWs were stigmatized because their work involved interacting with TB-infected people. The common manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs were isolation, avoidance, and underappreciation both at the workplace and in the community. Such actions were mostly driven by fear of contracting TB. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HCWs do not only have to contend with a high level of perceived TB-related stigma but are also stigmatized because of attending to TB patients. This stigma threatens to undermine the non-discriminatory access and quality of TB services. Therefore, there is an urgent call for reciprocal attention aimed to reduce TB-related stigma in healthcare settings to improve, ultimately, TB control in Tanzania
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seeking treatment, receiving a diagnosis, initiating and completing treatment, and consequently increasing the transmission of
the disease within a community. Information regarding the magnitude and consequences of TB-related stigma in Tanzania are
generally missing in our setting. The study aimed to generate such information to inform the planning and implementation of
TB-related stigma reduction strategies. Methods: Between September 2021 and February 2022, a cross-sectional survey was
conducted to collect data on TB-related stigma among people with or who had TB (PWTB) in five regions of Tanzania. The
survey utilized adapted structured questionnaires developed by the Stop TB Partnership. Data collection was carried out
through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and the results were presented in tables. Results:
The study recruited a total of 418 PWTB, with 276 (66%) being male and 86 (18.4%) having TB-HIV co-infection. Among the
participants, 86 PWTB (20.6%) reported experiencing stigma due to their TB status. The most common settings where PWTB
encountered stigma were within their families (50%), communities (36%), and workplaces (10%). Delays in seeking care
(16.7%), obtaining an accurate diagnosis (15%), and initiating treatment (27%) were identified as the most common
consequences associated with TB-related stigma. Participants' region, age, education level, and type of TB were factors
significantly associated with experiencing TB-related stigma. Conclusion: This study revealed a moderate level of TB-related
stigma experienced by TB patients, primarily originating from family members, neighbors, and co-workers. Furthermore, the
findings emphasized the impact of TB-related stigma on the delay in seeking medical care for TB diagnosis and treatment.
Therefore, this study highlights the need for the prompt inclusion of TB stigma reduction strategies in the TB prevention and
control program in Tanzania.
treatment adherence, TB treatment completion, and the overall quality of TB services. Yet, the dimensions, experiences, and
manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs are largely unknown in our region, particularly in the context of Tanzania. This
knowledge gap prompted the researchers to design the current study. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative
and qualitative techniques to collect data on TB-related stigma among HCWs who provide TB services in 20 selected health facilities
in 5 regions (provinces) of Tanzania. Data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The
results have been presented as frequency tables with respective percentages, figures, and quotes. Results: Seventy-nine (79) HCWs
were recruited. The overall level of perceived TB-related stigma among HCWs was 52.57%, predominated by negative attitudes and
stigmatizing behaviors towards TB patients. About one-fifth (21.52%) of the HCWs were stigmatized because their work involved
interacting with TB-infected people. The common manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs were isolation, avoidance, and
underappreciation both at the workplace and in the community. Such actions were mostly driven by fear of contracting TB.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HCWs do not only have to contend with a high level of perceived TB-related stigma but are
also stigmatized because of attending to TB patients. This stigma threatens to undermine the non-discriminatory access and quality of
TB services. Therefore, there is an urgent call for reciprocal attention aimed to reduce TB-related stigma in healthcare settings to
improve, ultimately, TB control in Tanzania
seeking treatment, receiving a diagnosis, initiating and completing treatment, and consequently increasing the transmission of
the disease within a community. Information regarding the magnitude and consequences of TB-related stigma in Tanzania are
generally missing in our setting. The study aimed to generate such information to inform the planning and implementation of
TB-related stigma reduction strategies. Methods: Between September 2021 and February 2022, a cross-sectional survey was
conducted to collect data on TB-related stigma among people with or who had TB (PWTB) in five regions of Tanzania. The
survey utilized adapted structured questionnaires developed by the Stop TB Partnership. Data collection was carried out
through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and the results were presented in tables. Results:
The study recruited a total of 418 PWTB, with 276 (66%) being male and 86 (18.4%) having TB-HIV co-infection. Among the
participants, 86 PWTB (20.6%) reported experiencing stigma due to their TB status. The most common settings where PWTB
encountered stigma were within their families (50%), communities (36%), and workplaces (10%). Delays in seeking care
(16.7%), obtaining an accurate diagnosis (15%), and initiating treatment (27%) were identified as the most common
consequences associated with TB-related stigma. Participants' region, age, education level, and type of TB were factors
significantly associated with experiencing TB-related stigma. Conclusion: This study revealed a moderate level of TB-related
stigma experienced by TB patients, primarily originating from family members, neighbors, and co-workers. Furthermore, the
findings emphasized the impact of TB-related stigma on the delay in seeking medical care for TB diagnosis and treatment.
Therefore, this study highlights the need for the prompt inclusion of TB stigma reduction strategies in the TB prevention and
control program in Tanzania.
treatment adherence, TB treatment completion, and the overall quality of TB services. Yet, the dimensions, experiences, and
manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs are largely unknown in our region, particularly in the context of Tanzania. This
knowledge gap prompted the researchers to design the current study. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative
and qualitative techniques to collect data on TB-related stigma among HCWs who provide TB services in 20 selected health facilities
in 5 regions (provinces) of Tanzania. Data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The
results have been presented as frequency tables with respective percentages, figures, and quotes. Results: Seventy-nine (79) HCWs
were recruited. The overall level of perceived TB-related stigma among HCWs was 52.57%, predominated by negative attitudes and
stigmatizing behaviors towards TB patients. About one-fifth (21.52%) of the HCWs were stigmatized because their work involved
interacting with TB-infected people. The common manifestations of TB-related stigma among HCWs were isolation, avoidance, and
underappreciation both at the workplace and in the community. Such actions were mostly driven by fear of contracting TB.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HCWs do not only have to contend with a high level of perceived TB-related stigma but are
also stigmatized because of attending to TB patients. This stigma threatens to undermine the non-discriminatory access and quality of
TB services. Therefore, there is an urgent call for reciprocal attention aimed to reduce TB-related stigma in healthcare settings to
improve, ultimately, TB control in Tanzania