AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS (PTB) ON THE LIFE STYLE OF PERSONS AFFECTED BY (PTB) AND THE COPING STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY THEM, AT A SELECTED HOSPITAL IN GWALIOR

Respect for the individual and the meaning he or she attaches to the situation is surely the ideal starting point for the people who wish to increase their understanding and competence in the management of infectious diseases. Relationships are deeply affected when a chronic condition becomes part of the fabric of daily life. Patients are horrified by the thought of becoming a burden to someone. This feeling of burden may increase with the irritable, respectful or even aggressive attitude of the people towards them. People find it difficult to communicate their feelings and fears, social life may diminish as a result of lack of energy, mobility, money, friendship and this may lead to these patients not wanting to continue contact with others. Developing of effective coping methods is very essential in order to deal with such experiences. Bhatia and Hiramani reported that while looking at the medical aspects of the disease, one cannot ignore related social aspects to it. The way people think about the disease, the economic and social deprivation of the person suffering from the disease, contribute to the recovery from the disease.