The Role of Nurses in Improving Medication Adherence Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients: A Phenomenological Study

Authors

  • Syahrir Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana)
  • Violin Irene Ninef STIKes Nusantara
  • Daeng Agus Vieya Putri Bhwa STIKes Nusantara
  • Muliyati Suluamu STIKes Nusantara
  • Babelonia L H De Jesus STIKes Nusantara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56359/igj.v4i2.585

Keywords:

Medication adherence, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Nurses' role, Phenomenological study

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries, due to low treatment adherence, which can lead to drug resistance and treatment failure. Nurses play a critical role in enhancing medication adherence among pulmonary TB patients through education, monitoring, and emotional support.

Objective: This study aims to explore the role of nurses in improving medication adherence among pulmonary tuberculosis patients using a phenomenological approach.

Method: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design to understand the lived experiences of nurses A total of 10 nurses from Sikumana Health Center in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, who had worked for at least one year in TB treatment units, were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: The findings revealed that nurses play a central role in patient education through one-on-one counseling, group discussions, and the provision of educational materials. Adherence monitoring was conducted through home visits and follow-up appointments, accompanied by emotional support and encouragement. Furthermore, nurses collaborated closely with patients' families and community health workers to foster a supportive environment that promotes treatment success. Three main themes emerged: patient education and counseling, monitoring and emotional support, and collaboration with families and communities.

Conclusion: Nurses at Sikumana Health Center play a strategic role in improving medication adherence among pulmonary TB patients through educational efforts, active monitoring, and psychosocial support. Strengthening nurses' capacity and implementing supportive policies are essential to enhance treatment outcomes and prevent drug resistance.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adima, F., & Arini, M. (2024). The influence of healthcare workers' social support on compliance to medication in multi drug resistant tuberculosis patients at the Regional General Hospital of Dr. Saiful Anwar. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 101890. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2024.101890

Ahmed, S. K. (2025). Sample size for saturation in qualitative research: Debates, definitions, and strategies. Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health, 5, 100171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100171

Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. (2024). Laporan situasi tuberkulosis Indonesia 2023. Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. https://kemkes.go.id

Lolong, D. B., Aryastami, N. K., Kusrini, I., Tobing, K. L., Tarigan, I., Isfandari, S., Senewe, F. P., Raflizar, N. E., Sitorus, N., Pangaribuan, L., Simarmata, O. S., & Ariati, Y. (2023). Nonadherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment, reasons and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the communities in Indonesia. PLOS ONE, 18(8), e0287628. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287628

Namuwali, D., Hara, M. K., Nurwela, T. S., & Banhae, Y. K. (2021). The relationship between family support and adherence to taking medication in pulmonary TB. Indonesian Journal of Global Health Research, 5(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.37287/ijghr.v5i4.2379

Sadipun, D., & Letmau, W. (2022). Hubungan dukungan keluarga dengan kepatuhan minum obat pasien tuberkulosis paru. Jurnal Ilmiah Wahana Pendidikan, 8(14), 517–527. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7052407

Sari, P. M., Dafriani, P., & Fernando, F. (2020). Hubungan motivasi dan dukungan keluarga dengan kepatuhan minum obat pada pasien TB paru. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Stikes Syedza Saintika, 6(2), 1–9. https://jurnal.syedzasaintika.ac.id/index.php/PSNSYS/article/view/962

Susetyo, R. R. (2025). Patterns and Trends of Respiratory Diseases in Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims in Mecca: 2024 Descriptive Study. INDOGENIUS, 4(1), 168-173.

Singh, V. (2024). Tuberculosis treatment-shortening. Drug Discovery Today, 29(5), 103955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103955

World Health Organization. (2021). Global tuberculosis report 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240068259

Yang, H., Ruan, X., Li, W., Xiong, J., & Zheng, Y. (2024). Global, regional, and national burden of tuberculosis and attributable risk factors for 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Diseases 2021 study. BMC Public Health, 24, Article 20664. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20664-w

Yunalia, E. M., Sulistyoning, I. P., Haryuni, S., Eleeuw, S., & Samudera, W. S. (2022). Hubungan dukungan keluarga dengan kepatuhan minum obat pada pasien tuberkulosis paru. Nursing Sciences Journal, 6(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.30737/nsj.v6i2.3730

Downloads

Published

2025-05-28

How to Cite

Syahrir, S., Ninef, V. I., Bhwa, D. A. V. P. ., Suluamu, M. ., & Jesus, B. L. H. D. . (2025). The Role of Nurses in Improving Medication Adherence Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients: A Phenomenological Study. INDOGENIUS, 4(2), 301–308. https://doi.org/10.56359/igj.v4i2.585