Background: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be vital public health problem in Thailand. In addition, assessing TB stigma is that TB infection are indicated to be high among high-school students.
Objectives: To explore the effectiveness of communication intervention on reduction of TB stigma and discrimination among high-school students in Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods: The study was conducted in two high schools with 216 high-school students. A quasi-experimental study design was implemented. Both purposive and systematic sampling techniques were used for select of areas and participants. The experimental group received the communication intervention for a three-month study period, while the control group received no intervention. The intervention was conducted for five months. The questionnaires were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 5 months. All outcomes measurements at baseline, intervention and follow-up periods were evaluated using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE).
Results: Results showed that the communication program was effective in reducing TB stigma (p-value <0.05, CI=4.962, -1.723) and increasing TB knowledge(p-value <0.05, CI=1.825, 2.537), TB attitudes (p-value <0.05, CI=4.493, 6.280), and self-efficacy on TB stigma and discrimination (p-value 0.05, CI=-1.398, 0.810). Conclusion: The intervention can be effectively reduced TB stigma and increased TB knowledge and attitudes as well as self-efficacy among high-school students. The study should be adopted in school to make up for the TB knowledge and TB attitudes, and to reduce TB stigma among high-school students. Authors:
Saowaluk Moonsarn, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Anuchit Phanumartwiwath, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Yuthichai Kasetjaroen, Health Department, Bangkok, Thailand
Anne Marie Bettex-Baars, BE Health Association, Switzerland

About the Presenter(s)
I am Saowaluk Moonsarn as PhD. student at the College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. My topic research that I am interested in the field of TB, TB-HIV/AIDS, non-communicable diseases, and communicable diseases.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saowaluk-moonsarn-22231316b

Additional website of interest
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/5/4136

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