Public Health Reports
Volume 112, Issue 1, 1997, Pages 66-72

Tuberculosis beliefs among recent Vietnamese refugees in New York State (Article)

Carey J.W.* , Oxtoby M.J. , Nguyen L.P. , Huynh V. , Morgan M. , Jeffery M.
  • a Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Dis. Contr. and Prev., Atlanta, GA, United States, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Dis. Contr. and Prev., Mailstop E-37, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States
  • b Bureau of Tuberculosis Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
  • c Mohawk Valley Rsrc. Ctr. Refugees, Utica, NY, United States
  • d Refugee Assistance Program, Johnson City, NY, United States
  • e Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Dis. Contr. and Prev., Atlanta, GA, United States
  • f Bureau of Tuberculosis Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States

Abstract

Objective. To identify newly arrived Vietnamese refugees' beliefs about tuberculosis (TB) and TB education needs. Methods. In 1994, the New York State Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a survey of 51 newly arrived adult Vietnamese refugees in two New York counties. After being trained in interview methods, two bilingual researchers asked 32 open-ended questions on the causes of TB, TB treatment, and the disease's impact on work and social relationships. Results. Respondents correctly viewed TB as an infectious lung disease with symptoms such as cough, weakness, and weight loss. Hard manual labor, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition were believed to be risk factors. Many respondents incorrectly believed that asymptomatic latent infection is not possible and that infection inevitably leads to disease. Nearly all respondents anticipated that having tuberculosis would adversely impact their work, family, and community activities and relationships. Conclusions. Targeted patient education is needed to address misconceptions about TB among Vietnamese refugees and to help ensure adherence to presribed treatment regimens.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Vietnam refugee human Refugees middle aged priority journal Aged Health Services Needs and Demand United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) Humans New York Adolescent male female Viet Nam tuberculosis Risk Factors patient education Article infection control patient compliance Questionnaires adult health education major clinical study patient attitude attitude to health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0031024805&partnerID=40&md5=94bf7ef7f9f689f3ee04e5c0af526657
ISSN: 00333549
Cited by: 40
Original Language: English