Brochures on tuberculosis

Many patients have little knowledge of tuberculosis, and in the public health service there are often major challenges in communication between health workers and patients.

The patients’ right to good, adapted information is often overlooked or not given enough attention. However, it is obvious that acquiring a disease and undergoing treatment for it without adequate information is difficult and stressful. Inadequate information can result in a delayed diagnosis, interruption of treatment, unnecessary fear, less openness, shame and loneliness.

Therefore, LHL international has, in cooperation with patients, voluntary treatment supporters and health personnel, developed informational brochures on tuberculosis in all of our partner countries.

Helping patients to complete their treatment

The content of the brochures is based on questions and concerns that patients have had.

In all the countries where we work, we have had a thorough dialogue with patients concerning what sort of information they would like. We have developed brochures with a simple and patient- friendly language based on this. Brochures provide both factual knowledge and practical advice, and they convey hope and support.

Health workers and volunteers distribute the brochures to newly diagnosed individuals, and they use that as a point of departure for advising the patients.

LHL International has conducted several studies to measure the effect of the brochures. An external evaluation of the brochures has also been made in all of our partner countries. The studies and evaluation clearly show that patients find that the brochures help them to complete their treatment. This is because the patients learn that they will get well, that after having read the brochures they dare to be open about the disease, and that by sharing the knowledge with others they are less stigmatised and discriminated against.

It was also shown that the patients who had received the brochure had better knowledge of tuberculosis than patients who had not had access to the brochure.

Patient brochure on tuberculosis

This brochure has been prepared for patients with tuberculosis and their families. In the brochure you will find information about tuberculosis and tuberculosis treatment, as well as advice on how you can manage that disease.

In developing this brochure, LHL International has asked tuberculosis patients about what they want to know about tuberculosis and what experiences they would like to share with others. Along with health workers and patients, we have found the answers to the most common questions. The brochure is available in 12 languages.

Brief informational brochure on tuberculosis

Provides simple, brief information on tuberculosis for anyone who wants to know more about the disease. The brochure covers facts on tuberculosis, symptoms, mode of contagion, treatment and where you should go if you suspect that you have tuberculosis. The brochure is available in 12 languages.

Brochure on preventive tuberculosis treatment

Describes what preventive tuberculosis treatment is and how the treatment is administered. The brochure is designed for use in making an informed decision on whether one desires to have preventive treatment or not. It can also be used for reference during treatment. The brochure is available in 12 languages.

Tuberculosis guide for health personnel

Together with patients, LHL International has prepared a guide for the use of the brochure for health personnel. The guide provides practical advice and input on how the brochure can be used in the best possible way during the various phases of treatment, and on how communication between health personnel and patient can be improved.

The brochures can be ordered from the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.