Articles

Evaluation of Factors Contributing to Low TB Detection Rate in Selected Facilities of Ndola District

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Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where case detection rates remain below international targets. In Zambia, the TB detection rate remains significantly lower than the 75% target recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), posing a threat to effective TB control. This study evaluated the factors contributing to low TB detection rates in selected health facilities in Ndola District, Copperbelt Province of Zambia. A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were collected from 93 respondents comprising health care workers and community members selected from 33 health facilities providing TB services. Structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used to gather information on demographic characteristics, knowledge of TB symptoms, availability of diagnostic services, and barriers to TB detection. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarise the data. The findings revealed that inadequate laboratory equipment was the most frequently reported factor contributing to low TB detection (55.9%), followed by limited community awareness of TB disease (24.7%). Other factors identified included TB-related stigma (7.5%), shortage of skilled laboratory personnel (6.5%), and long distances to health facilities (5.4%). The study further established that cough was the most widely recognised TB symptom among respondents, while awareness of other symptoms such as fever and night sweats was relatively low. The study concludes that low TB detection in Ndola District is influenced by both health system constraints and community-related factors. Strengthening diagnostic capacity, increasing public awareness of TB symptoms, addressing stigma, and improving access to diagnostic services are critical interventions for improving TB case detection. Enhancing these strategies will contribute to early diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced transmission of tuberculosis within the community.

Analysis of The Relationship Between Compliance in Taking Pulmonary Tuberculosis Medication in East Kolaka District

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Tuberculosis is still a global health problem today. 5.8 million in 2020 and 6.4 million in 2021. The number of 2022 is a large number of people suffering from TB in the previous year. people diagnosed with TB in the world as many as 7.5 million people in 2022. This study is to analyze the relationship between adherence to taking pulmonary tuberculosis medication in East Kolaka Regency. This study was conducted in six working areas of the East Kolaka Regency Health Service, namely at the Tirawuta Health Center, Tinondo Health Center, Lalolae Health Center, Mowewe Health Center, Sanggona Health Center, and Ueesi Health Center in May – June 2024. This type of research is a study using a Cross Sectional Study approach with univariate, Bivariate, and Multivariate analysis. the population is 59 patients spread across six working areas of the East Kolaka Regency Health Service. Chi-Square Test Results of knowledge (P-Value 0.004<0.05), Family Support (P-Value 0.000<0.05), Role of Health Workers (P-Value 0.325), Stigma (P-Value 0.008<0.05), Access (P-Value-0.000<0.05), Income (P-Value-0.002<0.05), Medical Costs (P-Value0.003<0.05). The dominant variable is related to Access to Health Facilities with an OR value of 22.818. Access to health facilities is the main point in obtaining optimal health services. Compliance with taking tuberculosis medication is the basis for the success and completion of tuberculosis disease, it is expected that related parties will provide more emphasis on the consequences of non-compliance with taking tuberculosis medication.

Identity Negotiation of Indigenous Religious Believers in Banyumas, Central Java

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Indigenous religious are often labelled as primitive, misguided, and even atheistic. As a stigmatized group, these believers negotiate their identity by communicating with people outside their community. This negotiation is carried out by the believers to be accepted in their social environment. This study aims to understand the identity negotiation of believers in Banyumas Regency. The research employs a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data collection is conducted through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The findings reveal that identity negotiation is carried out through openness to the surrounding community to build mutual trust. The believers exhibit polite and ethical behaviour as part of a positive self-presentation. They also prioritize harmony and avoid coercive actions as an expression of their commitment to respecting differences. This approach reflects their efforts to integrate while maintaining their identity.