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ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis is recognised as a disease of the economically disadvantaged people due to its association with financial vulnerability. Mozambique still faces the challenge of the high burden of TB and associated costs. We aimed to understand the social and economic impacts of TB and the need for social support among people with TB in Mozambique. We conducted a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach focusing on the lived experiences and perceptions of people with TB. A total of 52 semi-structured one-to-one in-depth interviews were conducted and data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were drawn from the analysis: (i) TB has a social and economic impact that requires adaptation and resourcefulness amongst those affected; (ii) People with TB have different preferences and needs for social support, and (iii) People with TB have different knowledge of, and experiences with, formal social support. TB affects family and community relationships mainly due to impacts on the household’s finances. People with TB in Mozambique are not entitled to any form of social support, and they need to rely on help from family and the community which is often insufficient. Further investigation is needed on how social support schemes can be developed in Mozambique.
Acknowledgements
The authors express their gratitude to the Mozambican Ministry of Health and study participants for their participation and support. We also would like to thank the National Tuberculosis Programme for its contribution in setting up the study and the provincial health directorate for supporting during field work. Special thanks are extended to Drs. Amáncio Nhangave and Dórcia Mandlate for their invaluable assistance in coordinating the fieldwork in Gaza and Inhambane, respectively.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Authors’ contribution
SA, PN, CK, TW, BB and KL acquired the funds and designed the study design. PN, CY, AZ, VC, and SA conducted the study and drafted the manuscript. All authors reviewed, edited, and approved the final version of the manuscript.