Abstract
The authors explored treatment-seeking behavior among people with tuberculosis (TB) in Bali, Indonesia. They conducted in-depth interviews with 5 people who had been diagnosed with TB and 6 people who were suspected of having TB but who had not yet received a diagnosis. Participants reported frequent delays in obtaining a diagnosis of TB and obtaining adequate treatment. The authors describe issues associated with treatment-seeking behavior using the following five main themes: awareness of TB—causes, symptoms, and seriousness; influence of others; treatment quality; treatment barriers and default; and stigma and fear. Their findings reinforce the importance of a comprehensive TB control program that provides quality diagnostic and treatment services, and patient and community education, and enables patient involvement in treatment.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.