Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) have been an applied strategy in Indonesia for years. But, still, Indonesia has challenge to decrease number of patients who decided drop out from treatment. The number of patients with MDR TB increases year to year. The study was carried out in Moewardi Hospital in Surakarta to explore a patient support group in term of contributing patient awareness to complete their treatment course. Methods: A focus group discussion was conducted in a room at Faculty of Medicine Sebelas Maret University. The respondents are former MDR-TB patients who have been declared as totally cured after two years. Interviews, notes, and then transcript were analyzed using coding to identify emerging patterns and themes. Ethics approval was received from the Health Research Committee of Moewardi Hospital. Result: Adherence to taking medication for six to nine months or more is very challenging especially for MDR-TB patients who have to take medication for 18 months and more. The themes are: I have been declared as cured after six months of treatment, but why I got the disease again?; the side effects of treatment made me tired; I need a more patient and pleasant health worker and; I am very excited to hear of patients who have successfully recovered from MDR-TB. Most of former MDRTB patients stated that the patient support group is very important to help them in achieving recovery. Conclusion: Patient support groups have very important role in MDR-TB patients to achieve their recovery.

Biography

Wekadigunawan C S P is currently working as a expertise in healthcare infectious diseases, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia.
Email:wekagunawan@yahoo.co.uk