The Role of Psychosocial Support in Addressing Stigma Among Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Patients: A Case Study of the Terus Berjuang Foundation in West Java
Keywords:
MDR-TB, Psychosocial Support, Social Stigma, Discrimination, Quality of LifeAbstract
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) presents not only medical challenges due to prolonged treatment but also psychosocial burdens resulting from stigma, including labelling, stereotyping, social exclusion, and discrimination experienced by patients. This study aims to analyze the forms of psychosocial support provided by the Terus Berjuang Foundation in West Java in addressing stigma among MDR-TB patients. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study design through semi-structured interviews with two psychosocial companions who assisted three MDR-TB patient cases. The findings reveal that stigma emerged across various social settings, including schools, workplaces, families, and communities, driven by fear and limited understanding of MDR-TB transmission. Psychosocial support through emotional, informational, appraisal, and instrumental strategies contributed to strengthening patients’ psychological resilience, increasing social awareness, maintaining treatment motivation, and protecting patients’ social rights. This study highlights the importance of integrating psychosocial interventions into MDR-TB management as an essential strategy to reduce stigma and promote a more comprehensive patient recovery process.
Abstrak
Tuberkulosis Multidrug-Resistant (TB-MDR) tidak hanya menghadirkan tantangan medis melalui pengobatan jangka panjang, tetapi juga menimbulkan beban psikososial akibat stigma berupa pelabelan, stereotip, pengucilan, dan diskriminasi yang dialami pasien. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bentuk pendampingan psikososial yang dilakukan Yayasan Terus Berjuang Jawa Barat dalam mengatasi stigma terhadap pasien TB-MDR. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan desain studi kasus melalui wawancara semi-terstruktur terhadap dua pendamping psikososial yang menangani tiga kasus pasien TB-MDR. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa stigma terhadap pasien TB-MDR muncul dalam berbagai lingkungan sosial, termasuk sekolah, tempat kerja, keluarga, dan masyarakat, yang dipengaruhi oleh ketakutan serta rendahnya pemahaman mengenai penularan TB-MDR. Pendampingan psikososial melalui dukungan emosional, informatif, penghargaan, dan instrumental berperan dalam memperkuat ketahanan psikologis pasien, meningkatkan kesadaran lingkungan sosial, mempertahankan motivasi pengobatan, serta melindungi hak-hak sosial pasien. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya integrasi intervensi psikososial dalam penanganan TB-MDR sebagai strategi untuk mengurangi dampak stigma dan mendukung proses pemulihan pasien.
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