TB Stigma and Stigmatization Experienced by People with Tuberculosis: A Qualitative Study in Jakarta, Indonesia

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge, with Indonesia accounting for a substantial proportion of global incident disease. Although previous Indonesian studies have demonstrated the prevalence and consequences of TB-related stigma, less is known about how people receiving TB treatment experience the interconnected processes of internalised, family and public/social stigma, and how they understand the factors driving stigmatization in everyday life.

This study explored stigma and stigmatization experienced by people with TB receiving treatment in two urban healthcare settings in Jakarta, Indonesia.

This study used a qualitative descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 30 adults receiving TB treatment from a hospital and a public health centre in Jakarta, Indonesia. Data were generated through individual semi-structured interviews conducted in Bahasa Indonesia and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

Four interrelated themes were identified: (1) internalised stigma or self-stigma; (2) family stigma; (3) public/social stigma; and (4) reasons for TB stigmatization. Participants described shame and loss of social status, reduced family support, social labelling, isolation and discrimination, including consequences for employment. Stigmatization was attributed particularly to limited knowledge and misconceptions about TB, fear of infection and transmission, and association with HIV/AIDS.

TB stigma in these Jakarta settings operated across individual, family and community levels and could remain socially consequential during treatment and anticipated recovery. Stigma-reduction strategies should therefore extend beyond education alone and combine accurate communication about transmission and curability with psychosocial and peer support, family and community engagement, and measures to address social and employment discrimination.