TY - JOUR T1 - Stigma associated with tuberculosis among Tajikistan labor migrants JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 40 IS - Suppl 56 SP - P2654 AU - Bekhruz Salikhov AU - Oktam Bobohodzhaev Y1 - 2012/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P2654.abstract N2 - Problem statement: Stigma is the most significant barrier in prevention of TB transmission, provision of adequate care, support, treatment and decreasing negative impacts. Currently, TB issue and stigma associated with labor migrants have not been learned yet in republic of Tajikistan.Goal of the survey. The goal of the survey was deep understanding of stigma among TB migrants in Tajikistan and development of mechanisms for mitigating the stigma.Materials and methods.The survey was done through individual interviews at respondents houses. We used qualitative and detailed interviews for detection of barriers which labor migrants have relating to TB stigma and reasons of late TB diagnostics.509 people of 7 rayons (out of 66 rayons) of the country were interviewed at total.Results of the survey and discussion. Majority of TB migrants (70,7%) would feel depression in case of TB diagnostics. Other widely spread reaction was feeling/sensation of fear, astonishment, confusion and shame.Majority of labor migrants (82%) would discuss their disease with doctor or other health workers. Only 6 labor migrants (1,2%) noticed that they would not talk about the disease in case of contracting TB. 231 people (45,5%) noticed that they would apply for health care services in case of symptoms related with TB.Summary: Stigma and low TB awareness might result in late and low TB case detection among labor migrants. Majority of labor migrants do not apply for health care services because of wrong perceptions. National bodies and organizations should complement each other with goal to create favorable environment for stigma elimination and provide information campaings focused at decreasing of fear and misperceptions. ER -