Gender-Related Barriers and Delays in Accessing Tuberculosis Diagnostic and Treatment Services: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

Box 6

Provider/system-level factors.

“The first time I came here, I could not believe that this was where TB was treated. The conditions were

very poor, but the doctors were very gentle and kind hearted.” (male) [30]

“Our lab is very poor. The ultra-violet lamp was borrowed from another hospital. The agents for tests

were given by another hospital. And the patients used some antibiotics before coming to our hospital.

So the sputum smear-positive rate is very low…The self protection funding is ‘Zero.’ No ventilation

tunnel, poor equipment. I’m afraid of being infected. So I do it as quickly as possible. Of course, many

mistakes are made.” (female) [36]

“We are visible to other patients when we go to take our medication. The place is very small.” (female) [20]