Effects of Social Stigma on Tuberculosis Care: Case Studies in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health issue that relies on the participation of health networks and the care of tuberculosis patients systematically and effectively. This study aimed to investigate the effects of social stigma on continuous tuberculosis patient care. This qualitative research study employed a case study approach to investigate the effects of social stigma on the continuous tuberculosis patient care in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. The current study also explored tuberculosis patients’ health service information. An interview form was used as a research instrument to collect data. Interviews were conducted to collect the data from 42 tuberculosis patients and eight members of the tuberculosis caregiver community network. The research results revealed that the tuberculosis patients who received ongoing consultations and treatments from public health officers could develop positive incentives and expectations of the tuberculosis treatments. Family members had improved their supportive skills and could lower the stigma of their household patients. Consequently, people in the community built a network of mental health care and social support to reduce the stigmatization of tuberculosis patients. Counseling skills and knowledge of patient care are essential in caring for mental health patients. When people who are close to the patients develop essential skills for patient care, the stigmatization of tuberculosis patients can be reduced.

Creation of Isaan Local Melodies from the Rituals and Beliefs of the Heet Sip Song Tradition

“…There are two types of rituals in Thai society, the common rituals where similar patterns are being implemented throughout the country, and local rituals with specific actions unique to a specific area. However, the elements of both types of rituals are the same, based on the beliefs, which are the foundation of the actions, the master of the rituals, steps, and participants (Thammawatra, 1987).…”

“…There are two types of rituals in Thai society, including common rituals, which have similar patterns and actions throughout the whole country, and local rituals, which are unique to each locality. However, the elements of both types of rituals remain the same, which consist of the belief, which is the base of the action, the master of the rituals, the methods of carrying out the rituals, and the participants (Thammawatra, 1987). Khunpakdee (1987) studied the beliefs of Thai people in the past and concluded that beliefs refer to the status that the individuals place their confidence in, agree with, and prepare to follow and pass on to others to instill the confidence in others to agree and follow without consideration of whether they can be logically proven or not.…”