@article{27293,
  keywords = {Tuberculosis, Stigma, India, Gender, Bhopal},
  author = {McArthur E and Bali S and Khan A},
  title = {Socio-cultural and knowledge-based barriers to tuberculosis diagnosis for women in Bhopal, India.},
  abstract = {<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>In India, only one woman is diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) for every 2.4 men. Previous studies have indicated gender disparities in care-seeking behavior and TB diagnosis; however, little is known about the specific barriers women face.</p>

<p><strong>OBJECTIVES: </strong>This study aimed to characterize socio-cultural and knowledge-based barriers that affected TB diagnosis for women in Bhopal, India.</p>

<p><strong>MATERIALS AND METHODS: </strong>In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 affected women and 6 health-care workers. The Bhopal Diagnostic Microscopy Laboratory Register (n = 121) and the Bhopal district report (n = 261) were examined for diagnostic and care-seeking trends.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Women, especially younger women, faced socio-cultural barriers and stigma, causing many to hide their symptoms. Older women had little awareness about TB. Women often sought treatment from private practitioners, resulting in delayed diagnosis.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Understanding these diagnostic and help-seeking behaviors barriers for women is critical for development of a gender-sensitive TB control program.</p>
},
  year = {2016},
  journal = {Indian journal of community medicine : official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine},
  volume = {41},
  pages = {62-4},
  issn = {0970-0218},
  doi = {10.4103/0970-0218.170990},
  language = {eng},
}