How stigma and social factors affect TB detection and care

Multi-level and Intersectional Stigma and other Social Determinant Effects on TB Case Detection, Care, and Treatment Outcomes: The MISSED TB Outcomes Study

['FUNDING_R01'] · DESMOND TUTU HIV FOUNDATION · NIH-11031416

This project looks at how community and personal stigma and other social barriers affect whether people with TB—many living with HIV—get tested, start treatment, and complete care in South Africa.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDESMOND TUTU HIV FOUNDATION (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA)
Trial IDNIH-11031416 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

We will work in Cape Town communities and follow people who live with someone with TB and symptomatic household contacts who are referred for testing. You may be asked to complete surveys, take part in interviews, and be followed over time to see if you get tested, start treatment, and finish care. The team will combine household-level surveys to measure community attitudes with interviews that explore experiences of stigma and other social challenges. Researchers will link these data to clinical follow-up to find where people are being missed along the care pathway.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are household contacts of people with TB in the Cape Town study communities, especially symptomatic contacts and people living with HIV.

Not a fit: People who do not live in the study communities, have no TB exposure, or receive care in very different health systems may not directly benefit from this specific project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to programs that reduce stigma and other barriers so more people with TB (including those with HIV) are diagnosed early and complete treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Qualitative studies have shown stigma affects TB care, but few have measured these effects prospectively across the full care cascade, so this is a relatively new, comprehensive approach.

Where this research is happening

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.