<![CDATA[Introduction: Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) often leads to impaired lung function. Slow deep breathing is a commonly used non-pharmacological intervention to improve respiratory function, but previous findings have been inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of slow deep breathing exercises on lung function among individuals with MDR-TB. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted at the MDR-TB Polyclinic of Ibnu Sina General Hospital, Gresik, Indonesia. From a population of 294 patients, 35 participants were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Slow deep breathing exercises were administered according to a standardized procedure. Lung function was measured using calibrated spirometry before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the McNemar test. Results: Before the intervention, 54.3% of participants had normal lung function, while 45.7% had abnormal lung function. After the intervention, the proportion of participants with normal lung function increased to 65.7%, while those with abnormal lung function decreased to 34.3%. However, statistical analysis showed no significant effect of slow deep breathing on lung function (p = 0.125; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Slow deep breathing exercises did not significantly improve lung function in individuals with MDR-TB. The lack of significant findings may be influenced by other factors, such as ongoing pharmacological treatment, regular physical activity, and adherence to therapy, which may have contributed more substantially to changes in lung function. Further studies with larger sample sizes, longer intervention periods, and more rigorous experimental designs are recommended to better evaluate the effectiveness of slow deep breathing in this population.]]>
