Tuberculosis among Ethiopian-born Georgia residents: An ethnographic approach to understand the sociocultural aspects of tuberculosis

Background: This ethnographic study is conducted in one of the 159 Counties in Georgia where international immigrants and refugees flock to start their American dream life. The County is also known for reporting the highest number of active Tuberculosis (TB) cases in the state of Georgia and majority of the reported cases are foreign-born residents. The percentage of active TB cases among the County's foreign-born residents steadily increased from 60% in 2007 to 76% in 2012. Furthermore, the significant increase in active TB cases, witnessed within foreign-born residents, are mainly from the countries Ethiopia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Somalia. Although literature suggests several factors that trigger the escalating TB problem, the reason why certain ethnic groups within the foreign-born population are at higher risk of TB is unclear and definitely warrants further investigation.;Methods: A qualitative ethnographic action research using a community-based participatory approach was used to investigate the TB-related sociocultural aspects of the Ethiopian-born individuals regardless of their TB status. A systematically structured questionnaire and focus group discussion guides were used as data collection instruments.;Findings: The study identified a huge TB-related knowledge and awareness gaps, high prevalence TB-related misconceptions, stigma, and discrimination.;Conclusion: Bridging the identified TB-related knowledge and awareness gaps is the first critical step toward changing the existing TB-related sociocultural misconceptions and achieving victory on the effectiveness of TB treatment and elimination services.