PERCEPTION OF TUBERCULOSIS’ PATIENT ABOUT THE NECESSITY OF A SPECIALIZED TREATMENT CENTER

Abstract

This is a qualitative survey whose objective was to characterize, according the perspective of tuberculosis’ patient (TB), the elements that had determined which caused them to undergo in specialized hospitalization. Twenty patients were surveyed and had their opinion analyzed concerning knowledge on the illness, previous treatments and determining causes for hospitalization. These patients’ characterization was also assessed, concerning age, gender and origin. Most of them were men around 44, 5 years old, without nuclear family and of urban origins. Eight patients were undergoing TB treatment for the first time. Four categories were identified: unawareness of TB, fear of prejudice, abandonment of ambulatory treatment and reasons for hospital treatment. It was concluded that these people consider hospital treatment as a favorable alternative, both for its social support and therapeutic continuity.