Se investigaron las percepciones, actitudes, prejuicios y comportamientos asociados a la tuberculosis y diferencias debidas al género, porque esta presenta un fuerte estigma social con matices culturales según la sociedad. La conducta más reportada resultó tratar de ocultarla. Se realizaron entrevistas grupales y una encuesta a 147 enfermos de La Habana. Se comprobó la persistencia del estigma y las conductas asociadas fueron: seguimiento del tratamiento lejos del lugar de residencia, ocultamiento activo y el motivo predominante declarado, en mayor proporción por las mujeres fue evitar el rechazo social. No se encontraron afectaciones a la búsqueda de atención médica ni al seguimiento del tratamiento. Apreciaciones asociadas a la enfermedad fueron sentir vergüenza por padecerla, que se les trata con temor, que para hacer una vida normal hay que ocultarla y más de la tercera parte lo aconsejaría. Se recomendó diseñar una estrategia de comunicación social.

It was proposed to investigate the perceptions, attitudes, prejudices and behaviors associated with tuberculosis, as well as the differences due to gender because it presents a strong social stigma with cultural shades according to society. The most reported behavior is trying to hide it. Group interviews were made and a survey was done to 147 patients in Havana. The persistance of the stigma was proved and the associated conducts were follow-up of the treatment far away from the residence place and active hiding (occultation). The main reason declared mostly among women was to avoid social rejection. No affectations were found neither in the search of medical attention nor in the follow-up of treatment. Appreciations associated with the disease were feeling shame for suffering from tuberculosis, be treated with fear, that to lead a normal life they have to hide the disease, and that more than the third part of them would advise to do so. It was recommended to design a strategy of social communication.