A transformative research on the gender dimensions in strengthening and sustaining TB Patient Support Groups in the Philippines

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) Patient Support Groups (PSGs) are important in strengthening gender dimensions of TB response because gender-blind strategies aggravate the impact of gender inequalities in TB disease elimination. The study aimed to describe the patterns in issues and challenges faced by TB patients as women, men, or Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer/Intersex (LGBTQI); as well as the potentials and program support needs of TB PSGs using the sociological and demographical gender lenses.

Objectives: The objective of the study is twofold: to describe the issues, situations and challenges that are faced by the TB patients as women, men, or LGBTQI and; determine the challenges, potentials and program support needs of the TB PSGs using the gender lens.

Methodology: Through purposive and maximum variation sampling, a total of 35 respondents — 46% women, 31% men, 23% LGBTQI from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and National Capital Region – participated in the study. They completed questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions, and were interviewed for validation. Quantitative data described proportions of variables stratified according to gender. Qualitative data were analyzed through Grounded Theory approach of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding towards themes, theories and logic diagrams. Central to the research design was Transformative Mixed Methods to incorporate social justice and community participation.

Results and Conclusion: Unique gender themes in mental health and human capital, as well as gender-targeted case finding framework, were revealed. Moreover, social constructs on gender roles and catastrophic costs associated with Tuberculosis were perceived as major impediments to TB treatment completion. Results of this study may be used for development of policies and models for TB services with focus on gender, human rights and patient-centeredness.