Acceptability of the Mandatory TB Notification Policy among Private Physicians in the Second District of the National Capital Region, Philippines: A Qualitative Case Study

Background. Despite the critical role of the private sector in identifying the missing cases of TB, little is known about the perceptions of private physicians on mandatory TB notification. Although Republic Act 10767 has been in place for over a decade, evidence on its acceptability among private doctors remains limited.

Objective. This study explored the acceptability of mandatory TB notification among private physicians in the Second District of the National Capital Region, Philippines.

Methods. The study employed a descriptive qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with eight private physicians in the Second District of NCR, Philippines. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting participants. Thematic analysis was conducted using a deductive approach guided by the Theoretical Framework for Acceptability, with manual coding performed using Microsoft Excel.

Results. Private physicians demonstrated varying levels of acceptability of mandatory TB notification, shaped by multiple interrelated factors. Overall acceptability reflected differences in physicians’ understanding of the policy, perceived burden, and perceived value of participation. These findings suggest the need for tailored strategies to improve policy acceptability among private practitioners.

Conclusion. The findings provide preliminary evidence on the acceptability of mandatory TB notification among private physicians. The results underscore the importance of understanding private sector perceptions to enhance their engagement and strengthen the country’s efforts to end tuberculosis.