Determinants of TB-related stigma in adolescents in Thailand - Poster

DETERMINANTS OF TUBERCULOSIS-RELATED STIGMA AMONG SCHOOL-AGED ADOLESCENTS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

This poster was presented at the World Conference on Lung Health in Copenhagen, Denmark in November 2025.

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a serious public health challenge in Thailand, with stigma remaining a major barrier to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. To better understand the determinants of TB-related stigma among young people, World Vision Foundation of Thailand conducted a study among high school students aged 15–19 years in Bangkok. Using questionnaires, the research examined demographic factors, knowledge, and attitudes toward pulmonary TB.

The study found that stigma was significantly associated with sex, age, grade level, and type of accommodation. Attitudes toward TB also influenced stigma, while knowledge alone did not show a significant relationship. These findings suggest that improving awareness is not enough on its own – social perceptions and norms must also be addressed to reduce stigma among adolescents.

World Vision recommends targeted interventions to enhance TB knowledge, foster positive attitudes toward people affected by TB, and strengthen advocacy and social mobilisation within schools. By engaging young people in stigma reduction, Thailand can help promote more inclusive, supportive responses to TB care and prevention.