EFFECTS OF SOCIAL STIGMA ON TUBERCULOSIS CARE: CASE STUDIES IN MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health issue that relies on the participation of health networks and the care of tuberculosis patients systematically and effectively. This study aimed to investigate the effects of social stigma on continuous tuberculosis patient care. This qualitative research study employed a case study approach to investigate the effects of social stigma on the continuous tuberculosis patient care in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. The current study also explored tuberculosis patients’ health service information. An interview form was used as a research instrument to collect data. Interviews were conducted to collect the data from 42 tuberculosis patients and eight members of the tuberculosis caregiver community network. The research results revealed that the tuberculosis patients who received ongoing consultations and treatments from public health officers could develop positive incentives and expectations of the tuberculosis treatments. Family members had improved their supportive skills and could lower the stigma of their household patients. Consequently, people in the community built a network of mental health care and social support to reduce the stigmatization of tuberculosis patients. Counseling skills and knowledge of patient care are essential in caring for mental health patients. When people who are close to the patients develop essential skills for patient care, the stigmatization of tuberculosis patients can be reduced.