Intervensi Berbasis Komunitas Dalam Penanganan Tuberkulosis di Masyarakat Oleh Yayasan Mentari Meraki Asa (YMMA) di Kecamatan Medan Johor, Kota Medan

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious global health issue, including in Indonesia, which ranks second in the world for the highest number of cases. One area with a particularly high number of cases is Medan Johor District, Medan City. National programs such as DOTS have proven to be ineffective because they focus solely on medical aspects without considering the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the community. This study aims to identify community-based intervention approaches in TB management implemented by the Mentari Meraki Asa Foundation (YMMA) in Medan Johor District, as well as the challenges faced in their implementation. The research method used is qualitative with a case study approach, involving informants comprising TB patients, community members, health workers, and foundation representatives. The results of the study show that YMMA implements intervention stages in accordance with social work practices, starting from preparation, assessment, alternative program planning, action plan formulation, program implementation, evaluation, to termination for patients who have recovered. This intervention has succeeded in increasing early detection, treatment adherence, and reducing stigma and discrimination in the community, especially towards patients. Challenges faced include insufficient community knowledge and awareness, persistent stigma, patients' economic constraints, and limited access to healthcare services. Based on the research findings, it is recommended to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration to expand the scope of interventions to cover broader areas and communities, as well as the need for social workers' involvement in intervention programs. Social workers can play a strategic role in interventions at the micro to macro levels, such as providing psychosocial support, reducing stigma and discrimination in the community, creating participatory programs based on community needs, and building sustainable intervention systems.