Tuberculosis in the families: an analysis about knowledge, attitudes and social stigma related to the disease

Author(s)

Marcela Paschoal Popolin

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2013-09-09

Examining board members

Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio; Inês Santos Estevinho Fronteira; Ione Carvalho Pinto

• Advisor: Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio

Abstract

The study\'s purpose is to analyze knowledge, attitudes and social stigma related to tuberculosis in families of patients diagnosed with this disease, in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. This is an analytical, epidemiological and cross-sectional study, with a probabilistic sampling, consisting of 110 family members and cohabitants of tuberculosis patients diagnosed between January 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011. Data was collected through interviews, in households, with a pre-tested instrument in the studied population from July 25 to August 31, 2011. In the analysis plan, it was possible to include the univariate analysis with measures of frequency, position and dispersion; the bivariate analysis with dichotomization of dependent and independent variables, and the use of the chi-square test to assess the association between them. It was possible to calculate the odds ratio with the respective confidence intervals of 95%, and the probability of a type I error of 5%. It was also performed the binary logistic regression in order to identify the possible explanatory variables to the knowledge about tuberculosis, in the families. In addition, the authors considered the statistical and analytical techniques of Grouping by Hierarchical Levels and Multiple Correspondence. Especially, the latter were applied simultaneously to identify families\' profiles in relation to the social stigma. Most participants were female (n=85; 77.3%), aged between 39 and 59 years (n=50; 45.4%) and with incomplete elementary education (n=58; 52.7%). The results show that education (adjusted odds ratio: 4.39; IC 95%: 1.11 to 17.35; p: 0.035), watching television (adjusted odds ratio: 3.99; IC 95%: 1.20 to 13. 26; p: 0.024) and internet accessibility (adjusted odds ratio: 5.01; IC 95%: 1.29 to 19.38; p: 0.019) were the variables that explain the families\' knowledge. Four groups were identified when applied the analytical techniques of Grouping by Hierarchical Levels and Multiple Correspondence. Especially, in relation to the social stigma. It was found that two groups presented social stigma while the two others did not. The first two groups were characterized with lower grade levels, incipient accessibility to the media and little mobilization to understand the disease. The results showed that tuberculosis has afflicted the groups with greater social vulnerability, demonstrating less knowledge about the disease, more stigmatized behaviors and segregation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/16717-6 - Tuberculosis inside of families: study about their knowledge, attitudes and stigma regarding disease
• Grantee: Marcela Paschoal Popolin
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master