Tuberculosis control in less developed countries: can culture explain the whole picture?

Healthcare practices, adherence to treatment, and organizational behaviour of healthcare workers are the main issues concerning tuberculosis (TB) control influenced by culture. A review of research findings published in the English language literature concerning these issues, and the way in which they are affected by cultural and structural factors is presented and discussed. These findings suggest that structural rather than cultural factors may be the main explanation for the questionable behaviour of healthcare workers and patients suffering from TB in less developed countries.