Joining the Conflicting Spheres: Travel in Balancing Work, Life, and Treatment for Female Tuberculosis Patients

Based on in-depth interviews with 80 working female TB patients across 18 public health facilities in Bengaluru, this study explores how everyday travel affects their ability to balance employment, family responsibilities and tuberculosis treatment. Three travel patterns emerged: women in the outskirts face poor first-mile connectivity and long walks; women with strict work schedules struggle to coordinate work and treatment; and those with flexible work arrangements have easier access to affordable transport and DOTS care. The study identifies inadequate connectivity, expensive auto-rickshaw journeys, long walking distances and inflexible working hours as barriers that contribute to fatigue, financial pressure, treatment difficulties and, in some cases, withdrawal from employment. It highlights the need for inclusive and affordable urban transportation that improves access to healthcare and employment.