PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AND HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOR - HOW TO GET A DELAYED DIAGNOSIS IN CALI, COLOMBIA

Tuberculosis is a heavy burden in the del eloping countries. Early dia gnosis and adherence to treatment are difficult to achieve by patients . Our qualitative research looked at the paths followed and the barrie rs experienced by patients at the health care services of Cali, Columb ia, while seeking help for pulmonary tuberculosis symptoms. Results sh ow that the cultural-based explanation patients give to the symptoms, the stigma attached to the disease, and the poor quality of health car e services (communication skills, organizational structure, attitudes, and knowledge of the tuberculosis control strategy of health care wor kers) are strong barriers to early diagnosis.