THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY SUPPORT AND ADHERENCE TO DOTS THERAPY AMONG PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS IN THE WORKING AREA OF PUSKESMAS LAMPIHONG

Abstrak

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem, particularly due to challenges in ensuring patient adherence to long-term treatment. The Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy has been widely implemented to reduce TB morbidity and mortality; however, its success largely depends on patient adherence. Family support is considered an important factor influencing patients’ motivation, behavior, and consistency in undergoing therapy. This study aimed to determine the relationship between family support and adherence to DOTS therapy among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the working area of Puskesmas Lampihong. A quantitative study with a correlational cross-sectional design was conducted. A total of 30 respondents were selected using purposive sampling from TB patients enrolled in the DOTS program. Data were collected using a structured family support questionnaire based on social support theory and the Tuberculosis Medication Adherence Scale (TBMAS). Data analysis was performed using Fisher’s Exact Test with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that the majority of respondents had high family support (93.3%) and high adherence levels (90.0%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between family support and adherence to DOTS therapy (p = 0.002). In conclusion, family support is significantly associated with adherence to DOTS therapy among pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Strengthening family involvement as treatment supporters is essential to improve adherence and optimize TB control programs at the primary health care level.