Perceived Stigma and Associated Factors Among Patients with Tuberculosis and Their Families in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: Stigma is a major barrier to tuberculosis (TB) control worldwide. However, there is limited evidence of TB-related stigma not only toward patients but also toward their family members in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess the level of TB-related stigma and associated factors among individuals with TB and their families in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 404 participants (272 adult patients with TB and their 132 family members). Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated TB-related stigma scales, covering sociodemographic factors and perceived stigma. Sociodemographic factors were used to compare stigma grades. Collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe qualitative variables, while the χ2-test was applied to compare TB-related stigma levels according to demographic factors. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most participant patients had pulmonary TB (78.7%), while 21.3% had extrapulmonary TB. More than half of them (50.7%) experienced severe stigma, while 23.5% had mild stigma. Levels of TB-related stigma differed significantly according to the patients’ age groups (p = 0.011), residence (p < 0.001), occupation (p = 0.022), and type of TB, which was higher among those with pulmonary TB (p = 0.003). Moreover, 24.2% of family members experienced severe stigma, while 25% had mild stigma. Perceived stigma showed a negative impact on the management of TB. Levels of stigma differed significantly among family members according to their residence (p < 0.001) and marital status (p = 0.018). Conclusions: TB-related stigma is widespread among individuals with TB and their family members in Saudi Arabia. This stigma has significant negative impacts on the management of TB. Levels of perceived stigma are higher among younger patients, those living in urban areas, unemployed patients, and patients with pulmonary TB. Among family members, the stigma levels are higher for those living in urban areas and single individuals.