A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Chinese- and Vietnamese-born Japanese-Language School Students with Tuberculosis from Symptom Onset to Diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction

  Tuberculosis (TB) has been reported among young foreign-born students enrolled in Japanese-language schools, who developed the disease after arriving in Japan. However, their experiences with TB from the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the experiences of young foreign-born students from China and Vietnam regarding healthcare support for TB diagnoses in Japan.

Methods

  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with interpreters and Chinese and Vietnamese students in their 20s who were primarily enrolled in Japanese-language schools. Verbatim transcripts were prepared by a translation company, and data were analysed qualitatively to describe their experiences from the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis of TB.

Results

  The study included 10 Japanese-language students aged 20-27 years (five each from China and Vietnam). At the onset of TB, participants faced language and cultural barriers and financial strain related to tuition and living expenses. They became aware of physical symptoms shortly after arriving in Japan. Despite recognising the seriousness of their symptoms, which did not improve with self-medication, they hesitated to seek immediate medical care because of uncertainty about navigating the Japanese healthcare system. This ‘uncertainty about navigating the Japanese healthcare system’ was the turning point for the three processes: the decision to consult a physician due to the exacerbation of symptoms, the decision to consult a physician in one’s home country, and the decision to consult a specialist because the patient had not been cured by a local physician.

Conclusions

  This study highlights significant challenges, including language and cultural barriers, financial issues, and prioritising economic activities over health, impacting the access to health care for TB diagnosis among foreign-born students. These findings indicate the need for support to reduce the risk of TB and delays in medical examination and diagnosis.