Discriminatory attitude and behavior towards TB patients in residents of Zhejiang province

ObjectiveTo explore discriminatory attitude and behavior towards tuberculosis(TB)patients and its related factors among the residents in Zhejiang province and to provide advice for the strategy of TB health education and intervention.MethodsA total of 6 000 residents were involved in a questionnaire survey.The information on TB awareness,attitude and behavior towards TB patients were collected.ResultsAmong 4 932 residents who knew TB,3 233(65.6%)expressed discriminatory attitude.Among 390 residents who ever met TB patient,104(26.7%)reduced contacts with the patient.Residents with older age,low education level,married,low income,and being farmer were prone to have discriminatory attitude.People who knew TB could transmit were more inclined to discriminate TB patient than individuals who knew the diagnsosis and prognosis of TB.ConclusionDiscriminatory attitude and behavior towards TB patients are prevalent among the residents of Zhejiang province.Misunderstanding and prejudice to TB are related to the discrimination.