Tuberculosis in women: A reflection of gender inequity

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease with both medical and social dimensions. More than than half a million women die of it every year, largely because of psychological/social sufferings and discrimination.

Objective: To investigate the problem in their personality, behaviour of their family members and gender aspects among female TB patients and to what extent it affects their lives.

Methods: It was a prospective study.970 newly diagnosed cases registered under Revised National TB Control Programme of King George's Medical University, UP, Lucknow for treatment, were included in the study. After taking informed consent of the patients, a pre-designed questionnaire was used for studying patient's complete profile. Results were analyzed statistically.

Results: TB in women has an adverse effect in many ways:

1) No stigma at family level was observed in the present study and the family members by large were found supportive to the patients(p<0.5)

2) But over time, 10% of the marriages ended in divorce(common among younger spouses) and 16% widows faced societal issues(common among older sposes)

3) 25% women report being isolated and discriminated in their homes, 18% rejected by husbands and in-laws and 40% taken off the "marriage market" altogether.

4) This study also reveals that male patients with TB expected their wives to care for them but infected wives rarely received care.

5) In 2% older couples marriage ended in divorce when the wife is diagnosed as a TB patient.

6) Higher stigma was observed more among middle and upper middle class when compared to lower middle class and lower class(p<0.05)

Conclusion: Empowering women is critical for the success of the strategy and to reach the goal of ending the TB endemic.