Unveiling Gender Disparities in Middle-Income Nations: The Impact of Tuberculosis on Women in India

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a condition encompassing both medical and societal dimensions, resulting in the annual death of over half a million women. These challenges are primarily driven by psychological and social hardships and discrimination. This study aimed to study the impact of gender on the societal impact of TB on female patients from North India. Methods: In total, 960 fresh cases under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program at a tertiary care hospital in Northern India were taken. A predesigned questionnaire facilitated a comprehensive patient profile analysis. Results: Although 69.16% women were aware of the dangers of TB and the necessity of receiving complete treatment, 50% were afraid to disclose their condition, which in 44% of cases resulted in a reduction in social activities. Overall, 10% of marriages ended in divorce, particularly for younger women, and 16% of widows had to deal with social issues. Overall, 18% reported being rejected by their husbands or in-laws, and almost 25% reported feeling alone at home. Forty percent of women were also denied the opportunity to marry. The middle and upper middle classes had greater levels of stigma ( P < 0.05). In contrast to female patients, male TB patients received treatment from their wives, indicating a gender gap in support. The results highlight the necessity of focused efforts to improve social support and lessen stigma. Conclusion: Community education initiatives should include debunking falsehoods, encouraging early detection, and stressing the value of finishing treatment in order to end the TB epidemic and its associated stigma. Women’s therapy services and support groups can help patients deal with psychological suffering, encourage peer support, and get over social obstacles. Programs for socioeconomic empowerment that provide cash assistance and skill development can also assist women in regaining their independence, enhancing treatment compliance, and reintegrating into their communities with dignity.