THE EXPERIENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS WHO DISCONTINUE TREATMENT: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY IN BANDUNG REGENCY

Abstract

Loss to follow-up threatens tuberculosis (TB) control in Bandung Regency, where 18 patients in six districts discontinued treatment in 2023. Previous studies have mostly identified factors associated with loss to follow-up; this study instead describes the experience as a continuous process, from the initial treatment phase and the decision to stop, through its consequences, to the motivation to resume treatment. The aim was to analyze the experiences of TB patients in Bandung Regency regarding treatment discontinuation. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted. Five participants (two men and three women) were selected purposively and interviewed in depth using a semi-structured guide. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method, and trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Four themes emerged: the duration of the initial treatment, reasons for treatment discontinuation, the consequences of discontinuing treatment, and the motivation to resume treatment. The themes are interconnected, running from patient-related and economic factors and their physical and psychological impacts to the role of family and health worker support. Addressing treatment discontinuation in Bandung Regency requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond providing free medication to include strengthening family support, educating patients on completing treatment, and empowering health volunteers to monitor patients in their service areas. These findings matter because they show local TB programs where, along the patient’s treatment journey, targeted support can keep patients in care.