Health Education To Reduce Negative Stigma And Increase Willingness To Screen For Tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a health problem in the world because Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the 10 highest causes of death worldwide and the main cause of death from infectious agents. The stigma circulating in society influences the desire of patients not to undergo treatment or comply with TB treatment and people who have symptoms become afraid to check themselves and undergo screening because they are reluctant to be viewed negatively by society. This case study aims to determine the effect of health education as an effort to reduce negative stigma and increase willingness to screen. This research uses a case study method consisting of a needs assessment and intervention provided by a health education and TB screening program. Management data showed that 37 residents of Ciwalen Village who were studied had been diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Of the 37 people who had been diagnosed with pulmonary TB, only 34 people regularly took medication. The results of health education were 13 residents from taking part in screening activities before the health education activity and after the health education activity was held the number increased by 28 people. It can be concluded that the stigma of TB in society has an impact on the TB control process. Health education activities carried out as an effort to reduce the stigma of TB can increase the willingness of residents to undergo TB screening, especially for residents who are at high risk or residents who have symptoms.