A comprehensive study conducted by Punjabi University has uncovered severe health, social, psychological and familial challenges faced by tuberculosis patients across Punjab, revealing striking gender disparities and the crucial role family structures play in treatment outcomes.
Research Methodology and Key Findings
The groundbreaking research surveyed 300 TB patients across six high-burden districts of Punjab: Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur and Patiala. The study found that women and men reported dramatically different health and family-related issues, while psychological and familial problems varied significantly between patients from joint and nuclear families.
Field observations revealed a particularly concerning social pattern: married women with TB are more frequently brought for treatment by their natal families rather than their in-laws. This finding underscores deep social undercurrents, family expectations and critical deficiencies in support systems within marital households.
District Variations and Coping Mechanisms
The district-wise analysis showed the highest gender variation in coping strategies in Sangrur, where researchers identified 19 different approaches. This was followed by Patiala and Amritsar with seven variations each, Ludhiana with two, and one each in Gurdaspur and Jalandhar.
Researchers determined these variations reflect the diverse socio-economic conditions, awareness levels, and access to support systems across different regions. Some common coping strategies employed by patients included:
- Seeking spiritual support
- Focusing on positive aspects of life
- Seeking professional help
- Withdrawing and keeping to themselves
Treatment Awareness and Government Initiatives
The assessment of patients' understanding indicated adequate awareness levels about the disease. Pulmonary TB emerged as the most common form, with cough identified as the primary mode of transmission. X-ray and sputum tests were the most widely used diagnostic methods across the surveyed districts.
A positive finding from the research was the widespread acceptance of the Government of India's DOTS therapy, serving as a strong indicator of treatment adherence among patients. This government initiative appears to be effectively reaching the target population despite the various challenges identified.
Professor Hardeep Kaur from the Department of Social Work, who supervised the study, emphasized that the findings hold substantial value for policymakers, health administrators, social workers and NGOs working in TB prevention and patient rehabilitation.
"The study provided ground-level evidence to better understand the stigma, fear and social misconceptions associated with TB, enabling the design of more targeted and compassionate interventions," said Professor Kaur. "We used standardized inventories of psychology in conducting the research and incorporated suggestions from experts in the field of psychology."
The research conducted under Professor Hardeep Kaur's supervision and involving researcher Harpreet Singh represents a significant step toward addressing the complex web of challenges facing TB patients in Punjab, particularly highlighting the need for gender-sensitive approaches and family support system improvements.
