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Deprecated: Implicit conversion from float 209.6 to int loses precision in C:\Inetpub\vhosts\kidney.de\httpdocs\pget.php on line 534 Public+Health+Action 2020 ; 10 (4): 141-146 Nephropedia Template TP
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Diagnosed with TB in the era of COVID-19: patient perspectives in Zambia #MMPMID33437679
Mwamba C; Kerkhoff AD; Kagujje M; Lungu P; Muyoyeta M; Sharma A
Public Health Action 2020[Dec]; 10 (4): 141-146 PMID33437679show ga
INTRODUCTION: Delayed TB diagnosis and treatment perpetuate the high burden of TB-related morbidity and mortality in resource-constrained settings. We explored the potential of COVID-19 to further compromise TB care engagement in Zambia. METHODS: From April to May 2020, we purposefully selected 17 adults newly diagnosed with TB from three public health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia, for in-depth phone interviews. We conducted thematic analyses using a hybrid approach. RESULTS: The majority of participants were highly concerned about the impact of lockdowns on their financial security. Most were not worried about being diagnosed with COVID-19 when seeking care for their illness because they felt unwell prior to the outbreak; however, they were very worried about contracting COVID-19 during clinic visits. COVID-19 was perceived as a greater threat than TB as it is highly transmittable and there is no treatment for it, which provoked fear of social isolation and of death among participants in case they contracted it. Nonetheless, participants reported willingness to continue with TB medication and the clinic visits required to improve their health. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic did not appear to deter care-seeking for TB by patients. However, messaging on TB in the era of COVID-19 must encourage timely care-seeking by informing people of infection control measures taken at health facilities.