BACKGROUND: Role of patients' family in TB-control programme has received least attention in research and negligible attention is paid to support and care experiences of patients in rural societies. AIM: Present study aims at collecting qualitative data on how tuberculosis patients define support and care during illness, and document their experiences and perspectives about care and support. METHODS: This is a qualitative study with grounded theory approach. Data were collected by conducting series of 15 focus group discussions (FGD) covering 113 patients from rural Pune district of Maharashtra. Thematic analysis was undertaken after preparing detailed transcripts of each FGD. RESULTS: Good support and care was considered as receiving necessary attention and help in daily routine, monitary help, emotional and moral support and motivation for early recovery. Family provided support by accompanying to the health centre, reminding about medicines, giving meals. Female patients reported less sympathetic attitude and unfair treatment at husband's home while males received emotional and physical support from spouse. Stigma led to discrimination and hindered the support and care mechanism. CONCLUSION: Family awareness and preparedness for providing support need to be strengthened. Counselling and motivation during each visit are the keys to successful completion of treatment. There is need to make counsellors/psychologists available in the existing system.
BACKGROUND: Role of patients' family in TB-control programme has received least attention in research and negligible attention is paid to support and care experiences of patients in rural societies. AIM: Present study aims at collecting qualitative data on how tuberculosispatients define support and care during illness, and document their experiences and perspectives about care and support. METHODS: This is a qualitative study with grounded theory approach. Data were collected by conducting series of 15 focus group discussions (FGD) covering 113 patients from rural Pune district of Maharashtra. Thematic analysis was undertaken after preparing detailed transcripts of each FGD. RESULTS: Good support and care was considered as receiving necessary attention and help in daily routine, monitary help, emotional and moral support and motivation for early recovery. Family provided support by accompanying to the health centre, reminding about medicines, giving meals. Female patients reported less sympathetic attitude and unfair treatment at husband's home while males received emotional and physical support from spouse. Stigma led to discrimination and hindered the support and care mechanism. CONCLUSION: Family awareness and preparedness for providing support need to be strengthened. Counselling and motivation during each visit are the keys to successful completion of treatment. There is need to make counsellors/psychologists available in the existing system.