A Systematic Review of Tuberculosis Stigma Reduction Interventions
Aitambayeva N. Aringazina A. Nazarova L. Faizullina K. Bapayeva M. Narymbayeva N. Svetlanova S.
August-1 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Healthcare (Switzerland)
2025#13Issue 15
Background: Stigma associated with tuberculosis (TB) continues to undermine patient well-being, treatment adherence, and public health goals and objectives. This study aims to systematically review the literature to identify and synthesize TB stigma reduction interventions published between 2015 and 2025. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included those with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs that focused on interventions related to TB-related stigma. We categorized the studies into three groups: (1) intervention development studies, (2) TB treatment programs with stigma reduction outcomes, (3) stigma-specific interventions. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies focused on co-developing stigma interventions, which incorporated multi-level and multicomponent strategies targeting internalized, enacted, anticipated, and intersectional stigma. Two studies assessed TB treatment-related interventions (e.g., home-based care, digital adherence tools) with incidental stigma reduction effects. The remaining seven studies implemented stigma-targeted interventions, including educational programs, video-based therapy, peer-led support, and anti-self-stigma toolkits. Interventions addressed stigma across individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy levels. Conclusions: This review highlights the evolution and diversification of TB stigma interventions over the past decade. While earlier interventions emphasized education and support, recent strategies increasingly integrate peer leadership, digital platforms, and socio-ecological frameworks. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, contextually grounded interventions that reflect the lived experiences of people affected by TB.
cascade of care , discrimination , evaluation , TB
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Department of Public Health and Social Sciences, Kazakhstan’s Medical University “KSPH”, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
School of Health Sciences, Almaty Management University AlmaU, Almaty, 050060, Kazakhstan
Department of Epidemiology, Evidence-Based Medicine and Biostatistics, Kazakhstan’s Medical University “KSPH”, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Almaty City Branch of the Salidat Kairbekova National Research Center for Health Development, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
Department of Internal Medicine, Kazakhstan’s Medical University “KSPH”, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Department of Health Management, Kazakhstan Medical University “KSPH”, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Department of Nursing, Kazakhstan’s Medical University “KSPH”, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Department of Public Health and Social Sciences
School of Health Sciences
Department of Epidemiology
Almaty City Branch of the Salidat Kairbekova National Research Center for Health Development
Department of Internal Medicine
Department of Health Management
Department of Nursing
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