Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #99692

Jeannine Coreil, PhD¹, Michael Lauzardo, MD², Kelly Simpson, MA³, and Elizabeth Hamilton, BS³. (1) College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, 813/974-6698, JCOREIL@smtp.hsc.usf.edu, (2) College of Medicine, University of Florida, 224 S.E. 24th Street, Gainesville, FL 32641, (3) School of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612

This paper reports findings from the ethnographic component of a multi-phase study of tuberculosis-related stigma in Haitian populations. Using the methodology of cultural epidemiology, the study makes comparisons across three social groups (patients, health care providers and community residents) located in two sites, Leogane Haiti and Broward County, Florida. Ethnographic data were collected during 2003-04 in both sites on the cultural context of tuberculosis and other contagious diseases, as well as local explanatory models of the disease. Methods included participant observation in clinics and the community, and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with patients, providers and residents in Florida and Haiti. The ethnographic sample included a total of 40 hours of observation, 160 interviews and 12 focus groups. Textual data were analyzed using MAX QDA software. Key findings are presented in this paper.

Dimensions of stigma related to tuberculosis were similar across the two sites, however in Florida, greater emphasis was given to political aspects of immigration and minority group status. In Haiti, disease stigma was more closely associated with attributions of poverty, poor living conditions and malnutrition, although these aspects were also noted in Broward County. Differences were found in explanatory models of active compared to latent tuberculosis, and distinctive features characterized the social groups sampled. These components were used to develop a structured instrument for use in subsequent phases of the research. Other applications of the findings for public health practice are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate the sociocultural underpinnings of stigma related to tuberculosis in Haitian populations.
• Describe the impact of stigma on public health practice with disadvantaged groups.
• Recognize the utility of ethnography for understanding the cultural context of health problems.

Keywords: Culture, Tuberculosis

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation