Stigma among tuberculosis patients: A bibliometric analysis and scoping review

Background — Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health problem on the global health agenda. TB programs face challenges with delays in diagnosis and treatment. Perceived stigma can prevent people from seeking testing, accessing health services and treatment. Objective — To review and document the existing evidence on the impact of stigma on TB prevention and control efforts. Methods — The study used a scoping review method, which follows PRISMA as a guideline. Articles were identified in the Scopus database. The search was conducted on September 1, 2024. The study also employed bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software version 1.6.20. Results — A total of 31 articles on stigma in TB patients published in 2020-2024 were reviewed: 18 articles (58.06%) were related to access to health services, 8 articles (25.81%) dealt with medication adherence, and 5 articles (16.13%) were about provisioning TB preventive therapy. Studies on stigma in TB cases still dominate in cases involving adults, effect of gender issue, TB-HIV links, and are related to health awareness, attitudes and behavior. Conclusion — This study provides evidence on the impact of persistent community stigma, which is a barrier to TB elimination efforts. Stigma discourages TB patients from seeking health care, affects their medication adherence and provision of TB preventive therapy.