Health and illness beliefs in adults with tuberculosis infection during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

Ayşenur Kılıç, Amy L. Clarke, Zoe Moon, Yohhei Hamada, Amy Hai Yan Chan, Ananna Rahman, Charlotte Layton, Chris J. Griffiths, Dominik Zenner, Ellen Powell, Heinke Kunst, Marc Lipman, Mike Mandelbaum, Padmasayee Papineni, Tessa Tattersall, Trinh Duong, Ibrahim Abubakar, Molebogeng X. Rangaka, Robert Horne*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 disrupted the TB prevention programme in the UK, especially for TB infection (TBI) care. We explore whether experience of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on patients' perceptions of TBI and its treatment. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of the Research to Improve Detection and Treatment of TBI (RID-TB) programme, exploring perceptual and practical barriers to TBI treatment. Nineteen people diagnosed with TBI were interviewed between August 2020 and April 2021. Recordings were transcribed and analysed using a constant comparative approach, allowing for a dynamic and iterative exploration of themes. Themes are organised using the Perceptions and Practicalities Approach. Findings: Some participants perceived TBI as a risk factor for increased susceptibility to COVID-19, while some thought that treatment for TBI might protect against COVID-19 or mitigate its effects. Adaptations to TB services (e.g., remote follow-up) and integrated practices during the COVID-19 restrictions (e.g., medication being posted) addressed some practical barriers to TBI treatment. However, we identified beliefs about TBI and COVID-19 that are likely to act as barriers to engagement with TBI treatment, including: interpreting service delays as an indication of TBI not being serious enough for treatment and concerns about contracting COVID-19 in TB clinics. Interpretation: COVID-19 and TBI service delays influence people's perceptions and practical barriers to TBI treatment adherence. Failure to address these beliefs may lead to people's concerns about their treatment not being fully addressed. Utilised service adaptations like remote consultations to address practical barriers may be relevant beyond COVID-19. Funding: NIHR RID-TB Program (RP-PG-0217-20009).

Original languageEnglish
Article number100162
JournalDialogues in Health
Volume4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
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Keywords

  • Covid-19
  • LTBI
  • health beliefs
  • perceptions
  • tuberculosis

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