Evaluation Of The Tuberculosis Control Program At Medan Teladan Puskesmas In 2016
Introduction
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has become a serious concern in Medan, with a reported 26,330 new cases in 2013. Of these, 2,894 cases were confirmed as BTA (+) and received treatment, with a healing rate of 74.74% and a treatment success rate of 79.03%. Medan Teladan Puskesmas acts as a referral center equipped with a microscopic examination facility to diagnose TB. Therefore, the evaluation of the Tuberculosis Control Program (P2TB) at the Medan Exemplary Health Center is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the interventions that have been carried out.
Research Purpose
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the tuberculosis control program carried out at Medan Teladan Puskesmas, with the aim of determining the extent to which this program has successfully handled TB cases in the region. This evaluation is essential to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program, as well as to provide recommendations for improvement.
Methodology
The research method employed in this study is descriptive with a cross-sectional approach and total sampling technique. The data used is secondary data taken from the TB.03 form at Medan Teladan Puskesmas. In the data analysis, an analysis of univariate and calculation of P2TB national indicators were conducted to obtain a clear picture of the implementation of the program.
Research Results
The results of the study showed that the distribution of respondents was predominantly in the 19-30 years of age group, which accounted for 32.8% of the total. The number of men dominated the respondents, with a percentage of 68.7%. From the respondents, 22.9% did not have a BCG vaccination, indicating a low scope of vaccination. In addition, 38.9% of respondents were in the category of IMT underweight, signifying nutritional problems. The Direct Supervision Program (PMO) was attended by 68.7% of patients, and at-home contact examinations were carried out in 55% of cases. Disease classification showed 89.3% of patients classified in the lung category.
Most respondents, 54.2%, had never received TB treatment before. The patient's conversion rate in the second month reached 99.2%, which showed a positive response to treatment. After six months of treatment, all patients (100%) had undergone therapy, with a recovery figure of 70.2%. The results of BTA conversion (+) were also high, which is 99.2%. However, the healing rate and the success of treatment each was only 51.1%, which is still below the minimum national standard.
Analysis and Explanation
Although the BTA (+) conversion rate in Medan Exemplary Health Center has met national standards, low healing and successful treatment rates indicate challenges in the implementation of the P2TB program. This can be caused by several factors, including the patient's non-compliance with the specified treatment, economic problems, and the lack of public awareness of the importance of complete TB treatment.
To increase the success of the program, there needs to be a better approach in the supervision of treatment, such as increasing the role of PMOs and educating patients and the community. In addition, increased access to health services and nutritional support for patients diagnosed with TB is also an important step to increase the healing rate and success of treatment.
Conclusion
The tuberculosis control program at the Medan Example Health Center has shown good results in terms of conversion, but it still needs improvement to achieve a higher healing and successful treatment rate. Thus, sustainable evaluation and development of programs is needed to overcome the problem of tuberculosis in the field effectively.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Improvement of TB treatment supervision: The role of PMOs should be increased, and patients and the community should be educated on the importance of complete TB treatment.
- Increased access to health services: Patients diagnosed with TB should have access to health services, including nutritional support.
- Public awareness: Public awareness of the importance of complete TB treatment should be increased through education and outreach programs.
- Monitoring and evaluation: The P2TB program should be continuously monitored and evaluated to identify areas for improvement.
By implementing these recommendations, the tuberculosis control program at the Medan Example Health Center can be improved, and the problem of tuberculosis in the field can be effectively overcome.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations, including:
- Secondary data: The study used secondary data, which may not be comprehensive or up-to-date.
- Limited sample size: The study had a limited sample size, which may not be representative of the entire population.
- Cross-sectional design: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamics of the P2TB program.
Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the implementation of the P2TB program at the Medan Example Health Center and highlights areas for improvement.
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on:
- Longitudinal study: A longitudinal study should be conducted to capture the dynamics of the P2TB program over time.
- Qualitative study: A qualitative study should be conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers in the implementation of the P2TB program.
- Evaluation of interventions: The effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the P2TB program should be evaluated.
By conducting these studies, a more comprehensive understanding of the P2TB program can be gained, and effective strategies for improving the program can be developed.