Makassar, Indonesia July 08 2026/PMN-RG/ – Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most serious public health challenges in Indonesia. With over one million cases annually, the country ranks among the highest globally. But while medical treatment is widely available, one crucial factor often goes unnoticed: how patients feel about the care they receive.
A recent study conducted in Makassar reveals a powerful insight patient satisfaction is not just about comfort; it directly affects treatment success. When patients feel unsupported, misunderstood, or burdened by the healthcare system, they are less likely to complete their treatment.
The study involved 60 TB patients receiving treatment at community health centers (Puskesmas). Using a validated tool called QUOTE TB Light, researchers explored different aspects of service quality, including communication, accessibility, infrastructure, and social support.
The findings highlight several critical gaps.
First, communication remains a major issue. Patients reported that healthcare workers often did not provide clear explanations or engage in meaningful discussions about their condition. As shown in the study results, communication-related indicators scored poorly, indicating a lack of effective interaction between staff and patients.
Second, access to services is still limited. Inflexible operating hours make it difficult for working patients to attend treatment regularly. This may seem like a small issue, but for patients who depend on daily income, missing work can mean losing essential financial support.
Third, basic facilities are not always adequate. Patients reported dissatisfaction with the availability of drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. These conditions can significantly affect comfort, especially for individuals undergoing long-term treatment.
However, the most striking finding relates to socioeconomic support. The study revealed that patients urgently need assistance with transportation, food, and financial resources. These factors recorded the highest concern levels, showing that TB is not just a medical issue it is also a social and economic challenge.
Why does this matter?
TB treatment requires consistency over several months. Without proper support, patients may stop taking medication, leading to treatment failure and drug-resistant TB a much more dangerous condition.
This research strongly supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to end the TB epidemic and ensure access to quality healthcare for all. It highlights that improving health outcomes is not only about providing medicine, but also about delivering patient-centered care.
The study suggests that healthcare systems must go beyond clinical services. Improving communication, extending service hours, enhancing facilities, and providing social support can significantly increase patient satisfaction and ultimately, treatment success.
In conclusion, ending tuberculosis requires more than drugs and diagnostics. It requires listening to patients, understanding their challenges, and creating a healthcare system that truly supports them.
Because when patients feel cared for, they are more likely to stay and to heal.
Reference:
DOI. https://doi.org/10.52774/jkfn.v8i2.412
Contact:
Dr. Yuliana Syam, S.Kp., Ns, M.Si.
+6281342012733
yulianasyam@unhas.ac.id
