Gender-related barriers and delays in accessing tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment services: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

ABSTRACT: Background. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global public health problem with known gender-related (male versus female) disparities. We reviewed the qualitative evidence (written/spoken narrative) for gender-related differences limiting TB service access from symptom onset to treatment initiation. Methods. Following a systematic process, we searched 12 electronic databases, included qualitative studies that assessed gender differences in accessing TB diagnostic and treatment services, abstracted data, and assessed study validity. Using a modified "inductive coding" system, we synthesized emergent themes within defined barriers and delays limiting access at the individual and provider/system levels and examined gender-related differences. Results. Among 13,448 studies, 28 studies we

SUBMITTER: Krishnan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4037602 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature