INFORMAL WORKERS’ PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS STIGMA IN KEDIRI REGENCY, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) patients face unfavorable reception from the community, their surroundings, and their workplace, including resistance, ostracism, complaints, and even dismissal.  This negative stigma is related to the fact that public education of tuberculosis is still inadequate, therefore people have the erroneous perception of tuberculosis sufferers.  This study aimed to analyze TB stigma and its impact on informal workers.  Inclusion criteria were those who registered as informal workers in Kediri Regency at the time the research was conducted.  Exclusion criteria included having a mental disorder or other conditions that prevent them from an interview.  Out of 215 informal workers in Kediri Regency, Indonesia, 175 met the inclusion criteria and were recruited as research participants.  The research employed descriptive research design with a cross-sectional study and data were collected via online surveys.  Data analysis was performed by frequency distribution and t-test.  Based on the results of this study, social support had an influence on stigmatizing behavior (p-value = 0.004.  Respondents emphasized the importance of social support throughout their illness and recovery.  Even though neighbors, and in some cases friends, abandon the patient, the unconditional love of family members remains the main source of social support for some people.  Stigma matters in TB prevention, care, and treatment and warrants stigma reduction interventions.  Family members’ compassion encourages patients to adhere to treatment and helps them overcome the stigma associated with TB.