The discourse of individuals on feelings associated with coping with tuberculosis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand how a subject’s feelings influence coping with tuberculosis. A qualitative study was developed with nine individuals undergoing tuberculosis treatment, living in a port city in Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were used in the empirical material production, and the French discourse analysis was used as theoretical-analytical framework. Results showed that cultural and social aspects influenced coping with the disease and determined the search for care and the therapeutic compliance. Self-medication, stigma, the feeling of fear in face of the critical nature of the disease, and the deficiency of professionals for suspicion and diagnosis contributed for users to search for health services late. The prolonged treatment, incidence of adverse reactions and early perception of cure hampered compliance with the treatment. Recognizing that the search for care varies according to the subjects’ singularities directs the formulation of effective strategies and changes in tuberculosis control actions.