TB Stigma:  Stigma and Stigmatization Experienced by People with Tuberculosis: A Qualitative Study in Indonesia

<ns5:p>Background Tuberculosis (TB) disease significantly impacts society’s physical, financial, and social well-being. TB stigma can have a severe effect on individuals and families and lead to social withdrawal or isolation. Aims This study explored the stigma faced by TB patients in two urban areas of Jakarta, Indonesia. Methods This study adopted a descriptive qualitative design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit study participants. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 participants at a hospital and a public health center in Indonesia. We analyzed the data using a content analysis approach. Results Our study identified four themes associated with tuberculosis’s stigma: 1) internalized stigma or self-stigma, 2) family stigma, 3) public/social stigma, and 4) the reasons for TB stigma. TB transmission and control behaviors were influenced in certain instances by stigma-induced non-disclosure. Stigma-alleviating treatments are necessary to prevent prejudice and protect patient confidentiality. These interventions include education campaigns about tuberculosis treatment and transmission. Conclusion Tuberculosis stigma was primarily experienced as social isolation and avoidance motivated by apprehension regarding contagion, rumours, and verbal abuse. To reduce the misconceptions surrounding TB, stigma-reduction strategies, such as community awareness programs and the establishment of social support groups, may increase treatment adherence and service utilization.</ns5:p>