Healthcare professionals perspectives on tuberculosis barriers in Portuguese prisons—a qualitative study

Author:

Aguiar Ana123,Abreu Mariana4,Duarte Raquel1235

Affiliation:

1. EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto , 4050-600 Porto , Portugal

2. Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR) , 4050-600 Porto , Portugal

3. Estudo das Populações, ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto , 4050-313 Porto , Portugal

4. Unidade de Saúde Pública de Gaia, Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde do Grande Porto VII—Gaia , Vila Nova de Gaia , Portugal

5. INSA—Instituto de Saúde Pública Doutor Ricardo Jorge—INSA Porto , 4000-053 Porto , Portugal

Abstract

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, particularly within prison settings, where the confluence of adverse health factors and high-risk behaviors contribute to a heightened risk of transmission. This study delves into the perspectives of medical doctors, regarding the implementation of the 2014 TB protocol in Portugal. Methods The study has a qualitative, descriptive design. Individual semi-structured interviews with medical doctors from TB outpatient centers in Porto and Lisbon were used for data collection. For the analysis thematic analysis method was used. Results The study population comprised 21 medical doctors with the majority being female (61.9%) and 57.1% specializing in pulmonology. The results indicate varied perceptions of the protocol’s usefulness, with positive impacts on coordination reported by some participants. Improved communication and evolving collaboration between TB outpatient centers and prisons were highlighted, although challenges in contact tracing and resource constraints were acknowledged. The study also sheds light on the role of nurses in patient education. Conclusion Despite overall positive perceptions, challenges such as sustaining therapy post-symptomatic improvement and delays in diagnostic methods were identified. The findings underscore the importance of continuous collaboration between prisons and TB control programs to address challenges, improve disease control and prevent TB transmission.

Funder

Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

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