The Relationship Between Family Social Support and Medication Adherence Among Tuberculosis Patients in Community Health Centers of Sleman Regency

Abstract

Introduction: The issue of patient adherence to tuberculosis (TB) is not only a clinical concern but also a significant global public health challenge. The level of social support from the family is one of the key factors that can influence medication adherence. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between family social support and medication adherence in TB patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sec¬tional study met inclusion and exclusion criteria for patients ≥ 18 years of age and being diagnosed with TB treatment in thirteen community health centers in the Sleman Regency area during the period of October–November 2023. We used the five-item Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) to collect medication adherence data and the six-item Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ-6) to collect family social support data. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the research subjects, and Spearman's rank correlation was conducted to examine the relationship between variables. Results: A total of 78 patients received Social Support Questionnaire Number (SSQN) with a mean value of 2.0917 and Social Support Questionnaire Satisfaction (SSQS) with a mean value of 5.3605. A correlation between SSQS and adherence was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.025 < 0.10; r = 0.254). Based on the results of the questionnaire adherence, TB patients demonstrated adherence to treatment which correlated with satisfaction with social support, but it did not correlate with the number of people providing the support. Conclusion: The satisfaction patients receive from their support providers can enhance adherence to TB treatment.