Maier P.A., Isaeva E.R., Brazhenko O.N. Gender-role Characteristics of Attitudes Toward Illness and Health in Patients with Drug-Sensitive Pulmonary Tuberculosis at the Start of Chemotherapy

Background. Currently, there is insufficient data on the clinical and psychological characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed drug-sensitive respiratory tuberculosis in the context of gender-role behavior to develop comprehensive medical and psychological support.

The aim of this study is to examine the clinical and psychological aspects of attitudes toward illness and health among men and women with newly diagnosed drug-sensitive respiratory tuberculosis at the start of chemotherapy. The study provides a scientific basis for developing a psychological support program and may later be considered when supplementing clinical guidelines for tuberculosis treatment with a section dedicated to psychological assistance.

Materials and Methods. Analysis of medical records and anamnesis data, psychodiagnostic methods: “Type of Attitude to Illness (TOBOL)”; “Level of Compliance”; “Methodology for Studying Self-Attitude (MIS)”; “Diagnosis of the Real Structure of Value Orientations of Personality”; statistical methods – frequency and comparative analyses.

The study involved 130 patients aged 26 to 67 years: 70 men (mean age = 43.03; SD = 8.62) – Group 1; 60 women (mean age = 42.75; SD = 10.75) – Group 2, who gave voluntary informed consent to participate in the psychological study. All patients had a verified diagnosis of drug-sensitive (DS) respiratory tuberculosis (ICD-10: A15–A16).

The study included 130 patients aged 26 to 67 years, of whom 70 men (Mage = 43.03; SD = 8.62) comprised Group 1, and 60 women (Mage = 42.75; SD = 10.75) comprised Group 2. All participants gave voluntary informed consent to participate in the psychological study, which was approved by the Ethics Committee of I. P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, protocol No. 7 dated October 23, 2023. All patients had a verified diagnosis of drug-sensitive (DS) pulmonary tuberculosis (ICD-10: A15–A16). The study was conducted at the beginning of the intensive phase of treatment – at the start of chemotherapy. Patients with pronounced cognitive impairments were excluded; cognitive status was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), including only patients with scores > 26.

Results. The data indicate gender differences in attitudes toward the disease, with a predominance of the sensitive component in men and the ergopathic component in women. Value orientations also differ: men prioritize values related to pleasure, while women’s values are defined by prosocial activity. Additionally, health is not a dominant value in either group.

Conclusions. When forming an individualized psychological support program for patients with drug-sensitive respiratory tuberculosis at the start of chemotherapy, it is necessary to consider patients’ gender-role characteristics. To improve treatment adherence in male patients, phthisiatricians and medical psychologists should consolidate efforts to reduce stigma. For female patients, it is more appropriate to focus on emotional comfort during the treatment process. Regardless of gender, psychological training aimed at fostering the value of health and a healthy lifestyle should be included in the support program.

Key words: gender-role characteristics, attitude toward illness, drug-sensitive tuberculosis, start of chemotherapy

For citation: Maier, P.A., Isaeva, E.R., Brazhenko, O.N. (2025). Gender-role Characteristics of Attitudes Toward Illness and Health in Patients with Drug-Sensitive Pulmonary Tuberculosis at the Start of Chemotherapy. New Psychological Research, No. 2, 236–260. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2025_05_02_11