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VOL. 7, ISSUE 3 (2025)
Clinical profile of tuberculosis and stigma
Authors
Urmila Devi, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Manthan Kumar, Ayushi Kapoor, Priyanka Kaushal
Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with India bearing the highest burden. Despite effective treatment, TB is associated with significant social stigma that adversely affects patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the clinical profile of TB patients and examine the prevalence and impact of TB-related stigma in a rural healthcare setting in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Chebh, Kangra district. A total of 100 adult patients newly diagnosed with pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB were enrolled. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, and risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. TB-related stigma was assessed using a validated stigma scale measuring perceived, internalized, and experienced stigma. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations between TB type and stigma.

Results: Among the participants, 74% had pulmonary TB and 26% had extrapulmonary TB. The most common symptoms among pulmonary TB patients were cough >2 weeks (70%), weight loss (66%), and fever (62%). Comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (14%) and HIV co-infection (6%), with 38% reporting a history of smoking. High levels of stigma were reported: perceived stigma (58%), internalized stigma (49%), and experienced stigma (44%). Pulmonary TB patients were significantly more likely to report high stigma (64.9%) compared to extrapulmonary TB patients (38.5%) (p = 0.03). Conclusion: TB patients in this rural setting experience classical symptoms and a high burden of stigma, particularly those with pulmonary TB. Stigma presents a major barrier to timely diagnosis and effective treatment adherence. Integrated interventions addressing both clinical management and stigma reduction—through community awareness, psychosocial support, and confidentiality—are crucial to improving TB outcomes and achieving national elimination goals.
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Pages:29-32
How to cite this article:
Urmila Devi, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Manthan Kumar, Ayushi Kapoor, Priyanka Kaushal "Clinical profile of tuberculosis and stigma". International Journal of Sociology and Political Science, Vol 7, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 29-32
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