FAMILY INTERACTION IN ADULT PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS CARE IN THE KALUKU BODOA HEALTH CENTER WORKING AREA, MAKASSAR: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

More than two billion people (about one-third of the world's population) are suspected of being infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. One reason is that many patients who receive self- administrative treatment are not adherent. WHO has recommended the strategy of Directly Observed Treatment, Shortcourse (DOTS) chemotherapy for tuberculosis (TB) control by involving medication-taking supervisors. The occurrence of TB provides a unique experience for family members with a patient of pulmonary tuberculosis. It is causing an impact of anxiety for families and the perception that pulmonary TB disease will be contagious. The purpose of this study was to conduct an in-depth interview regarding the role of supervisors taking medication in the presence of family members' experiences in caring for pulmonary TB patients. The research method used was qualitative with a phenomenological approach by using in-depth interview techniques to the families of pulmonary Tuberculosis patients and supervisors taking medication in the Kaluku Bodoa Health Centre's working area. The expected result was a description of pulmonary TB patients' family experience with supervisors taking medication against TB patients' interactions. The family was concerned and anxious about getting infected based on the in-depth interview results. However, the family did not experience obstacles in carrying out treatment and assistance with the patient's medication. In general, families tended to have a sense of self-confidence. They did not feel afraid to stay around people with pulmonary tuberculosis due to a sense of compassion and humanity to see their family members recover soon.

Keywords: Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Medication Taking Supervisors, Health Care.