Shifting Attitudes and Reducing Stigma: Educational Program Outcomes in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Care.

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease affecting the lungs. It usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)bacteria. It is prevalent in crowded and poorly ventilated areas, posing significant public health challenges. Objective: Evaluate the effect of an educational program on attitudes and stigma for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: Design: Quasi-experimental research design was used. Sample: Hundered-twenty patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB with age group ranged from 20-65 years from both sex. Setting: The study took place in Al-Badary Central Hospital (chest department) and Assiut Chest Hospital. Tools: A patient assessment sheet was used and validated questionnaires on attitude and stigma were utilized. Results: Statistical analysis clarified obvious improvement in patients` attitude and stigma post-educational program (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings confirm that educational interventions can effectively enhance patients' attitudes and reduce tuberculosis-related stigma. Recommendation: It is crucial to incorporate targeted interventions addressing stigma and patient attitudes into tuberculosis management strategies.