TB Research

Family Support-Based Enhancement of Mental Health among Comorbid TB Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Jumartin Gerung, Sukri Palutturi, Muhammad Syafar, Wahiduddin Wahiduddin, Shanti Riskiyani, Muhammad Tamar

Universal Journal of Public Health · 2026-03

Abstract

BACKGROUNDS: Tuberculosis (TB) with comorbidities negatively impacts patients' quality of life, suggesting the need for family support and health promotion. The impact of health promotion intervention on the family's ability to support mental health was aimed to be evaluated by this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Kendari, Indonesia, from July to December 2024. The population comprised 132 family members of comorbid TB patients, divided into intervention (n=66) and control (n=66) groups. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire to assess knowledge and attitudes related to health literacy and social support. These data were analyzed with repeated ANOVA and post-hoc test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The intervention group showed significant improvements in all measured variables: social support knowledge (pre-test: 9.85 ± 1.33; post-test: 13.18 ± 1.60; p = 0.000) and social support attitudes (pre-test: 17.45 ± 2.04; post-test: 32.55 ± 2.71; p = 0.000). Similarly, Health literacy knowledge increased markedly (pre-test: 9.85 ± 1.42; post-test: 13.18 ± 1.60; p = 0.000), as did health literacy attitudes (pre-test: 18.62 ± 2.15; post-test: 33.72 ± 2.48; p = 0.000). These findings indicate that repeated module-based education effectively improved both social support and health literacy among families of patients with comorbid TB. CONCLUSION: Module-based health promotion effectively improves knowledge and attitudes regarding mental health and social support for comorbid TB patients.

MeSH terms

  • Health literacy
  • Mental health
  • Mental health literacy
  • Medicine
  • Social support
  • Intervention (counseling)
  • Health promotion
  • Literacy
  • Promotion (chess)
  • Health education
  • Psychiatry
  • Population
  • Clinical psychology
  • Tuberculosis
  • Repeated measures design
  • Family medicine
  • Gerontology
  • Quality of life (healthcare)