Strengthen individual counseling methods

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 44 views

Breaking the Stigma and Increasing Awareness: Effective Communication Strategies for Health Extension Workers to Overcome TB Infectious Diseases

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited. In Indonesia, TB is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, with a high prevalence rate in rural areas. The Meranti Meranti Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Asahan Regency, has been working to combat TB through health extension programs. This study aims to examine the communication strategy implemented by the Meranti Meranti Foundation's health extension workers in dealing with TB infectious diseases in Sei Kamah II Village, Sei Dadap District, Asahan Regency.

Background

TB is a highly infectious disease that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It is estimated that one-third of the world's population is infected with TB, with the majority being in developing countries. In Indonesia, TB is a major public health concern, with a high prevalence rate of 234 cases per 100,000 population in 2020. The disease is often associated with poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social stigma.

Methodology

This study used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach based on the constructivism paradigm. The researchers involved three health extension workers from the Meranti Meranti Foundation and two members of the community who had participated in training in Sei Kamah II Village. Data collection techniques included interviews, observation, and documentation. Data validity was obtained through technical triangulation, namely by comparing data from interviews, observations, and documentation.

Results

The results showed that the communication strategy applied by the health extension workers in overcoming TB is through the individual counseling method. This method is considered effective in encouraging the adoption of innovation and changes in community behavior. The health extension workers use media delivery media in the form of brochures, which are easy to carry and can be used to provide counseling anytime and anywhere. Counseling material presented by the health extension workers is informative and persuasive, and is adjusted to the time and place that does not interfere with the target audience.

Deeper Analysis

Effectiveness of Individual Counseling Methods

Individual counseling methods provide more personal space for health extension workers to understand the specific needs and obstacles of each individual in managing TB. This allows health extension workers to provide more directed information and build a deeper understanding.

The Role of Brochure as a Delivery Medium

Brochures are an effective medium in spreading information about TB because of their easily accessible and carried everywhere. In addition, brochures can function as a visual aid that strengthens the information conveyed by the health extension workers.

The Importance of Informative and Persuasive Material

Informative and persuasive counseling material is able to trigger public interest and awareness about TB. The material presented must be clear, easy to understand, and accompanied by real examples that are relevant to everyday life.

Challenges and Solutions

Although individual counseling methods proved effective, health extension workers still face several obstacles such as time constraints, lack of resources, and social stigma inherent in TB disease. To overcome this, collaboration efforts are needed between health extension workers, the government, and the community to improve access to health services, seek adequate resource availability, and build public awareness to support TB prevention efforts.

Conclusion

Effective communication strategies are the key to success in dealing with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. The combination of individual counseling methods, the use of delivery media that are easily accessible, informative and persuasive counseling material, as well as efforts to overcome social stigma, are important steps in building public awareness and increasing efforts to prevent and handle TB.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Strengthen individual counseling methods: Health extension workers should continue to use individual counseling methods to provide more directed information and build a deeper understanding of the specific needs and obstacles of each individual in managing TB.
Improve access to health services: Collaboration efforts are needed between health extension workers, the government, and the community to improve access to health services, seek adequate resource availability, and build public awareness to support TB prevention efforts.
Develop informative and persuasive material: Health extension workers should develop informative and persuasive counseling material that is clear, easy to understand, and accompanied by real examples that are relevant to everyday life.
Overcome social stigma: Efforts should be made to overcome social stigma inherent in TB disease by building public awareness and promoting a supportive community environment.

By implementing these recommendations, health extension workers can effectively communicate with the community to prevent and handle TB, ultimately reducing the burden of this infectious disease in Sei Kamah II Village, Sei Dadap District, Asahan Regency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Communication Strategies for Health Extension Workers to Overcome TB Infectious Diseases

Q: What is the main goal of the communication strategy implemented by the Meranti Meranti Foundation's health extension workers?

A: The main goal of the communication strategy is to convey information about the prevention and handling of TB to the community, and to encourage the adoption of innovation and changes in community behavior.

Q: What is the most effective method of communication used by the health extension workers?

A: The most effective method of communication used by the health extension workers is individual counseling, which provides more personal space for them to understand the specific needs and obstacles of each individual in managing TB.

Q: Why are brochures an effective medium in spreading information about TB?

A: Brochures are an effective medium in spreading information about TB because they are easily accessible and can be carried everywhere. They can also function as a visual aid that strengthens the information conveyed by the health extension workers.

Q: What is the importance of informative and persuasive material in TB prevention efforts?

A: Informative and persuasive material is able to trigger public interest and awareness about TB. The material presented must be clear, easy to understand, and accompanied by real examples that are relevant to everyday life.

Q: What are the challenges faced by health extension workers in carrying out their duties?

A: Health extension workers face several obstacles such as time constraints, lack of resources, and social stigma inherent in TB disease.

Q: How can these challenges be overcome?

A: Collaboration efforts are needed between health extension workers, the government, and the community to improve access to health services, seek adequate resource availability, and build public awareness to support TB prevention efforts.

Q: What is the role of the community in TB prevention efforts?

A: The community plays a crucial role in TB prevention efforts by providing support and encouragement to individuals affected by TB. They can also help to build public awareness and promote a supportive environment for TB prevention.

Q: How can individuals in the community get involved in TB prevention efforts?

A: Individuals in the community can get involved in TB prevention efforts by participating in training and education programs, volunteering their time and resources, and advocating for TB prevention and control.

Q: What is the significance of this study in the context of TB prevention and control?

A: This study highlights the importance of effective communication strategies in TB prevention and control. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration and community involvement in TB prevention efforts.

Q: What are the implications of this study for health extension workers and policymakers?

A: The findings of this study have implications for health extension workers and policymakers in terms of the need for effective communication strategies, community involvement, and collaboration in TB prevention and control.

Q: What are the future directions for research on communication strategies for TB prevention and control?

A: Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of different communication strategies, exploring the role of technology in TB prevention and control, and developing culturally sensitive and community-based approaches to TB prevention and control.