"I'm suffering for food": Food insecurity and access to social protection for TB patients and their households in Cape Town, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health concern and the number one cause of death in South Africa. Social protection programmes can strengthen the resilience of TB patients, their families and households. This study aimed to get a better understanding of the role of social protection and other forms of support in relation to the burden of TB on patients and their households in South Africa.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional exploratory qualitative study using a phenomenological approach to focus on the lived experiences and perceptions of TB patients and healthcare workers. We interviewed 16 patients and six healthcare workers and analysed data thematically.

Results

The challenges faced by participants were closely related to household challenges. Participants

SUBMITTER: Vanleeuw L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9041827 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature