Tuberculosis--the patients' perspective.

This, the last of three studies examining aspects of tuberculosis (TB) control in South Africa, ascertained the views of the consumer--the TB patient. Aspects such as the impact of contracting TB on employment opportunities and social life, difficulties in getting treatment, and knowledge of TB were studied in a sample population of urban black working-class TB patients. Patients had difficulties in getting treatment at centralized points, and health education was not effective. Poor socio-economic conditions were also important in the experience of the TB sufferer.