Objectives: Tuberculosis is re-emerging as a critical public health concern in Sweden among the immigrants. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of the Somali community of TB care in the Stockholm area. Methods: Focus group discussions were conducted with 34 adult women and men by a Somali speaking moderator. Each group consisted of 6-9 participants-men and women separately. The audio taped discussions were transcribed, translated and read many times and in the process patterns and codes were identified and migration emerged as important theme in the context of TB control. Results: Fear of being deported emerged as barrier to sharing of complete health information with the doctor. The routine contact tracing and follow-up of infected cases in TB control was expressed as a source of concern since it was feared the health care providers could share the information with the immigration authorities. Interpreter use was expressed as barrier particularly if of same female gender. Conclusion: It is important to be aware of how a country's immigration policies impact on TB control activities among immigrants The existing TB control measures, such as contact tracing, assume new meanings for immigrants. Further research is therefore needed to understand this emerging complexity in order to make TB control more effective. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

qualitative research immigrants Somali tuberculosis Sweden

information processing doctor patient relation Physician-Patient Relations Communication Barriers health care policy health care personnel follow up human epidemiology communication disorder Sweden Humans migrant psychology tuberculostatic agent Antitubercular Agents male Emigrants and Immigrants Tuberculosis, Pulmonary female tuberculosis clinical article contact examination medical information Contact Tracing Article legislation and jurisprudence adult migration Somalia tuberculosis control Emigration and Immigration Health Services Accessibility health center Fear Focus Groups health care delivery