13. EXPLORING THE HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCES OF FOREIGN STUDENTS DIAGNOSED WITH TUBERCULOSIS IN KYRGYZSTAN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

EXPLORING THE HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCES OF FOREIGN STUDENTS
DIAGNOSED WITH TUBERCULOSIS IN KYRGYZSTAN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

S.S. Jeenbekov, U.K. Rakhmatov, L.K. Dzhaparova
Asian International University named after Satkynbai Tentishev
Department of Interprofessional Disciplines

Abstract
Relevance. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health concern and
disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including international students. Kyrgyzstan
serves as a regional hub for medical education and hosts a large number of students from TB
endemic countries.
Objective: to explore diagnostic pathways, access to healthcare, treatment experiences, and
the academic impact of tuberculosis among foreign students studying in Kyrgyzstan.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews
with four foreign medical students diagnosed with pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB and one
regional TB coordinator. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Interviews were
transcribed, anonymized, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.
Results: Six major themes emerged: delayed and complex diagnostic pathways; preference
for treatment in home countries (4/4 students); structural barriers to TB care; perceived stigma
and social isolation (3/4 students); significant academic disruption; and the need for stronger
university–health system coordination.
Conclusion: Foreign students diagnosed with tuberculosis in Kyrgyzstan face multifaceted
healthcare and academic challenges that influence treatment decisions and continuity of care.
Strengthening institutional collaboration, improving insurance implementation, and adopting
student-centered TB management strategies are essential for improving health and educational
outcomes.
Keywords: tuberculosis; foreign students; qualitative study; healthcare access; academic
impact; Kyrgyzstan.