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Tuberculosis in Migrant Populations. A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Literature

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  • Bruno Abarca Tomás
  • Christopher Pell
  • Aurora Bueno Cavanillas
  • José Guillén Solvas
  • Robert Pool
  • María Roura

Abstract

Background: The re-emergence of tuberculosis (TB) in low-incidence countries and its disproportionate burden on immigrants is a public health concern posing specific social and ethical challenges. This review explores perceptions, knowledge, attitudes and treatment adherence behaviour relating to TB and their social implications as reported in the qualitative literature. Methods: Systematic review in four electronic databases. Findings from thirty selected studies extracted, tabulated, compared and synthesized. Findings: TB was attributed to many non-exclusive causes including air-born transmission of bacteria, genetics, malnutrition, excessive work, irresponsible lifestyles, casual contact with infected persons or objects; and exposure to low temperatures, dirt, stress and witchcraft. Perceived as curable but potentially lethal and highly contagious, there was confusion around a condition surrounded by fears. A range of economic, legislative, cultural, social and health system barriers could delay treatment seeking. Fears of deportation and having contacts traced could prevent individuals from seeking medical assistance. Once on treatment, family support and “the personal touch” of health providers emerged as key factors facilitating adherence. The concept of latent infection was difficult to comprehend and while TB screening was often seen as a socially responsible act, it could be perceived as discriminatory. Immigration and the infectiousness of TB mutually reinforced each another exacerbating stigma. This was further aggravated by indirect costs such as losing a job, being evicted by a landlord or not being able to attend school. Conclusions: Understanding immigrants’ views of TB and the obstacles that they face when accessing the health system and adhering to a treatment programme-taking into consideration their previous experiences at countries of origin as well as the social, economic and legislative context in which they live at host countries- has an important role and should be considered in the design, evaluation and adaptation of programmes.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno Abarca Tomás & Christopher Pell & Aurora Bueno Cavanillas & José Guillén Solvas & Robert Pool & María Roura, 2013. "Tuberculosis in Migrant Populations. A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Literature," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(12), pages 1-1, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0082440
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082440
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kulane, Asli & Ahlberg, Beth M. & Berggren, Ingela, 2010. ""It is more than the issue of taking tablets": The interplay between migration policies and TB control in Sweden," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 97(1), pages 26-31, September.
    2. Poss, Jane E., 1998. "The meanings of tuberculosis for Mexican migrant farmworkers in the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 195-202, July.
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    4. Gibson, N. & Cave, A. & Doering, D. & Ortiz, L. & Harms, P., 2005. "Socio-cultural factors influencing prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in immigrant and Aboriginal communities in Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(5), pages 931-942, September.
    5. Ho, M.-J.Ming-Jung, 2004. "Sociocultural aspects of tuberculosis: a literature review and a case study of immigrant tuberculosis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 59(4), pages 753-762, August.
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    1. Tosti, Maria Elena & Marceca, Maurizio & Eugeni, Erica & D’Angelo, Franca & Geraci, Salvatore & Declich, Silvia & Della Seta, Maurella & Ferrigno, Luigina & Marrone, Rosalia & Pajno, Chiara & Pizzarel, 2021. "Health assessment for migrants and asylum seekers upon arrival and while hosted in reception centres: Italian guidelines," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(3), pages 393-405.
    2. Gulnaz Isabekova, 2019. "The Contribution of Vulnerability of Labour Migrants to Drug Resistance in the Region: Overview and Suggestions," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(3), pages 620-642, July.
    3. Katherine O Robsky & David Isooba & Olga Nakasolya & James Mukiibi & Annet Nalutaaya & Peter J Kitonsa & Caleb Kamoga & Yeonsoo Baik & Emily A Kendall & Achilles Katamba & David W Dowdy, 2021. "Characterization of geographic mobility among participants in facility- and community-based tuberculosis case finding in urban Uganda," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(5), pages 1-14, May.
    4. Miandad Muhammad & Nawaz-ul-Huda Syed & Burke Farkhunda & Azam Muhammad & Khan Imran, 2016. "Escalation of tuberculosis notification: an analysis of associated social factors," Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series, Sciendo, vol. 33(33), pages 91-101, September.

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