The Comparative study of the perceived Stigma towards and discrimination against Tuberculosis patients of health personel in Heath promotion Hospital Under the Ministry of Public Health in Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province.

Abstract

This study is a descriptive research aiming to investigate the situation of stigma and discrimination related to tuberculosis (TB). It also seeks to compare personal factors, knowledge about TB, and attitudes toward TB patients in relation to stigma and discriminatory behavior against TB patients. The study sample consisted of 80 personnel working in sub-district health-promoting hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health in Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, including percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations, as well as inferential statistics, using Independent-Samples T Test and One-Way ANOVA to examine differences in mean values. The study results indicated that the majority of participants were female (86.2%). The largest age group was between 21–30 years (32.5%). Most participants held a bachelor's degree (66.3%) and had work experience of less than five years (32.5%). The majority of participants were healthcare professionals (55.0%). The target group demonstrated a low level of knowledge regarding TB transmission, with an average score of 10.62 (SD = 2.83). Their attitude toward TB patients was at an improvable level, with an average score of 2.55 (SD = 1.18), and their stigma and discriminatory behavior required improvement, with an average score of 0.86 (SD = 0.83). The study found no significant differences in stigma and discriminatory behavior toward TB patients based on personal factors, knowledge about TB, and attitudes toward TB patients. These findings highlight the urgent need to enhance accurate knowledge and understanding among healthcare