iBackground:/i Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant public health issue in Ghana, and stigma and compromised community support are intrinsic barriers to successful treatment, diagnosis, and control. Knowledge of community attitudes and sociodemographic factors that influence stigma is crucial for developing targeted interventions in Nkoranza South Municipality. iMethods:/i This was a cross-sectional study that included 245 randomly selected TB patients aged 18 and older who were currently receiving or had completed treatment between 2016 and 2020 in the Nkoranza South Municipality. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, administered through the home and healthcare facility by trained enumerators. Using SPSS version 26, Fisher’s Exact Test was used to examine association, and logistic regression was used to assess the impact of socio-demographic factors on stigma and support. Frequencies were used to explore suggestions for reducing stigma and improving TB care, with a statistical significance set at p0.05. iResults:/i The study revealed that 71.4% of TB patients interviewed reported avoidance by the community. About 17% felt rejected, and only 12% felt accepted by the members of their communities. About 64% reported a lack of support, and 68.2% reported experiencing stigma. TB patients aged 20-39 years had higher odds of experiencing a lack of support (aOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.35-7.39, p = 0.008). Respondents practicing other religions, unlike Christianity, had lower odds of stigmatization (aOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.53, p = 0.010) and lack of support (aOR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.68, p = 0.019) compared to those practising traditional religion. Ethnic groups such as the Dagaari had lower odds of experiencing stigmatizations (aOR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.44, p = 0.002) and lack of support (aOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.74, p = 0.016). Educational level was not significantly associated with stigma or support. TB patients suggested community education, TB awareness creation, and improved staff professionalism as crucial steps to reduce stigma and enhance TB care. iConclusion:/i TB stigma and support gaps are prevalent in Nkoranza South Municipality, with predominant influences of age, occupation, religion, and ethnicity. The challenges need culturally adapted public health education, improved healthcare professionalism, and sustained community mobilization to optimize the TB outcome and combat stigma. Future studies should investigate whether community-based education and advocacy interventions can reduce stigma associated with TB and increase long-term support for patients.
Leta et al. (Fri,) studied this question.