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Portuguese Journal of Public Health
Print version ISSN 2504-3137On-line version ISSN 2504-3145
Abstract
BHERING, Marcela et al. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Portugal: patients’ perception of the challenges faced during treatment. Port J Public Health [online]. 2020, vol.38, n.2, pp.62-70. Epub Apr 30, 2021. ISSN 2504-3137. https://doi.org/10.1159/000511198.
Introduction:
The increase in drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) threatens global progress in eliminating TB, and constitutes a major challenge for patients, health-care workers and health services. Treatment for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) can last almost 2 years, and is more expensive, more toxic, and less effective than treating TB caused by drug-sensitive bacilli. This study aims to analyze patients’ narratives about the challenges they face during MDR-TB treatment and identify the support factors that help patients being treated in the most populous district of Portugal.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients
being treated for MDR-TB. The interviews were coded using thematic analysis. They were audio-recorded, transcribed, and transported into NVivo v12 for data management and coding.
Results:
Depression, social discrimination, and the side effects of drugs are the main challenges faced by patients with MDR-TB. A good relationship of the patients with the health team, emotional support, and supervised treatment stand out as the factors that generate better adherence and treatment success. Conclusion: In addition to modern diagnostic techniques and new treatments, MDR-TB can be fought by focusing on the care and needs of patients. We suggest that the Lisbon Tuberculosis Program adopts the following measures: build the health-care team’s capacity to identify symptoms of depression early, increase public awareness of the disease, expand the multidisciplinary team, and expand the options for individualized social support for patients.
Keywords : Tuberculosis; Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis; Qualitative research; Social stigma; Needs assessment; Professionalpatient relations; Patient compliance; Patient care; Social support.