Identification and exploration of the needs for health care in tuberculosis patients dropping out from therapy in Malang city: A qualitative phenomenological study

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease that remains a major public health issue in the world, including Indonesia. Various efforts have been made by governments to cope with increase of TB. However, various obstacles are found that hinder the goal of the treatment program, such as patients dropping out from treatment. Phenomenological study on TB patients dropping out from treatment in Malang City was greatly required and could be achieved through exploration of perceptions and experiences of TB patients dropping out from treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify requirements for health care among TB patients dropping out from treatment, based on the perspective of TB patients in Malang City. Materials and Methods: The study is of a qualitative phenomenological design in which samples were drawn using convenience sampling technique. In-depth interviews were used for collection of data by asking semistructured open-ended questions during 6 months from March to August 2014. Results: Problems that induce the failure of TB therapy are delay of treatment, inability to complete sufficient therapy, and various internal and external factors that affects patients′ compliance. Conclusion: It was concluded that there were themes in the requirements of health care to prevent and deal with dropping out from therapy: More attention from health workers, accurate examination, clinic opening hours and availability of health workers at working hours, anti-TB drugs of branded patent granted for free, and other drugs in addition to those already known