SOCIO-CULTURAL BARRIERS AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG FEMALE PATIENTS OF TUBERCULOSIS IN SOUTHERN PUNJAB

Abstract

Background & Objective: In Pakistan, some societies consider a woman's place is at her home, and they are

discouraged to visit the outside home including health facilities. Due to these societal restrictions, many

health problems remain undiagnosed and untreated. According to the latest TB trends, the female ratio in

smear-positive cases is increasing each year worldwide, which is a serious threat. Hence, we aim to assess the

socio-cultural barriers faced by the women and their health seeking behavior for TB.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in two District Hospitals in southern Punjab

(Muzaffargarh and DG khan). About 190 females patients with tuberculosis registered at the TB clinic were

selected through simple random sampling. An interview was conducted and the responses were recorded in a

structured questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS.

Results: Out of 190 patients, a majority 161(85%) of the females claimed that their family and community

are reluctant to meet them, 178 (94%) were afraid of leak of information to the community, 112 (59%) were

delaying seeking treatment due to stigma, 110(58%) had health facility conveniently located from their

residence, however 164 (86%) were not satisfied with the traveling costs.

Conclusion: Health-seeking behavior of the female TB patients as well as sociocultural and transport

barriers influence the treatment in these patients hence mass education and dedicated health facilities along

with transport facilities should be made available to these patients.