A synthesis of qualitative evidences regarding the barriers, challenges, and facilitators of self-care management among individuals with tuberculosis: A narrative review

Abstract

Many people identify tuberculosis as a complex disease that requires a wide range of restrictions, lifestyle changes, and behavioral changes. Well-managed tuberculosis necessitates specific self-care management behaviors to not only control the disease but also prevent drug resistance and future complications. This narrative review summarizes barriers, challenges, and facilitators related to self-care management among individuals with tuberculosis. We conducted a literature search using keywords and MeSH terminologies from the databases PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. We also performed a manual search of the references listed in the articles selected for review. Several barriers, challenges, and facilitators surround the self-care management of tuberculosis (TB). Barriers such as psychological factors (social isolation, shame, discrimination), treatment-related factors, healthcare system limitations, economic confrontation, and a knowledge-awareness gap hinder self-care management among TB patients. However, there are few facilitators to assist the individual in adhering to self-care management of tuberculosis, such as patient-Centred support, community and family engagement, technological and logistical innovations, enhanced knowledge and advocacy, and government and policy interventions. The efforts to remove obstacles are excellent, aiding individuals in improving their quality of life and achieving positive outcomes.