Patients’ perceptions of tuberculosis: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Percepciones de los pacientes con tuberculosis: Revisión sistemática de estudios cualitativos

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the perceptions of patients with tuberculosis (TB) regarding their disease. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted. The search strategy was based on terms registered in DeCS/MeSH and additional synonyms manually identified from relevant publications. The search was organized into four final groups according to the databases from which the included articles were retrieved. Literature in English, Spanish, and Portuguese was reviewed. The search was carried out between May 9 and 15, 2024, and updated in September 2025. The methodological rigor of the included qualitative studies was assessed using the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) Critical Appraisal Checklist. In addition, the ENTREQ guidelines were followed to ensure transparency and integrity in reporting the findings. Results: The electronic search identified a total of 66 articles; 31 were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria and 15 due to duplication. The analysis included 20 articles (2 from PubMed, 9 from SciELO, 6 from Google Scholar, and 3 from LILACS). Patients perceived tuberculosis as a source of discrimination and stigma, as well as a cause of depression and anxiety. They also showed diverse attitudes and levels of knowledge regarding treatment adherence, etiology, transmission mechanisms, and protective practices, among others. Conclusions: The findings reveal that TB patients’ perceptions are influenced by experiences of stigma and discrimination, which negatively affect their emotional well-being and adherence to treatment. Further qualitative research is needed to deepen the understanding of TB patients’ perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge, in order to strengthen therapeutic adherence and support disease control strategies.