Barriers to treatment adherence among patients with tuberculosis: a qualitative study of Pakistani nationals and Afghan refugees.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Non-adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment remains a major challenge in high-burden regions. However, few studies have qualitatively examined the sociocultural and emotional barriers to adherence, particularly among Afghan refugees in Pakistan. This study explores the patient-related, sociocultural and treatment-related barriers to treatment adherence among patients with TB of Pakistani and Afghan origin living in Pakistan.

Design

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study consisting of semistructured focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with purposively selected multisectoral stakeholders. The data were analysed thematically using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches.

Settings

We employed a qualitative study des

SUBMITTER: Sanauddin N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12506032 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature