'It is important to consider that stigma often arises from the fear of getting the disease. Education and awareness campaigns for household contacts and community members should focus on when isolation may be required and when it is no longer necessary (e.g., after adequate treatment and sputum smear conversion). Providing this information could help reduce stigma towards PWTB, while at the same time assuaging concerns about disease transmission.'
This is one of the conclusions of a new review in PLOS Global Public Health. Citation, abstract and comment/question from me below.
CITATION: TB stigma in India: A narrative review of types of stigma, gender differences, and potential interventions
Madeline E. Carwile et al. PLOS Global Public Health, Published: September 22, 2025
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0005109
ABSTRACT
In India, persons with tuberculosis (PWTB) and their households experience significant disease-related stigma. The objective of this narrative review was to conduct a review of existing literature related to the types of stigma experienced by PWTB and their household members, with a focus on the effects of stigma, possible interventions, and gender differences. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science using key search terms. We found that tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma has negative effects on emotional and mental health, relationships, and treatment adherence. Women experience a higher burden of TB stigma compared to men. Moreover, TB stigma can affect mental well-being and lead directly to reductions in the number of PTWB seeking treatment, treatment adherence, and treatment completion. All these factors can lead to negative health outcomes for the PWTB, higher costs to the government, and even the spread of the infectious disease to other members of the community. The consequences of TB-related stigma require additional attention.
COMMENT (NPW): I invite HIFA members to share their experience and observations of stigma relating to TB in India and other countries worldwide. To what extent is this linked to a lack of knowledge about the disease and its transmission? Are you aware of any success stories in addressing the information needs of the general public?
Best wishes, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org