<![CDATA[Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health problem in Palembang City. Although the number of presumptive TB cases receiving standard services decreased from 63,104 cases in 2023 to 44,979 cases in 2024, the burden of TB remains high. In the working area of the 23 Ilir Public Health Center, 385 presumptive TB cases received standard services in 2023. The identified problems include low treatment adherence, limited public awareness to seek early medical examination despite experiencing cough for more than two weeks, and persistent negative stigma toward people with TB.This community service activity aimed to improve public knowledge regarding TB, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment adherence, and prevention of disease transmission. This activity also aimed to reduce TB-related stigma and increase community awareness to seek healthcare services. The method used was health education through a community empowerment approach involving individuals at risk or affected by respiratory diseases, patients undergoing long-term treatment, family members, health cadres, and community leaders in the working area of the 23 Ilir Public Health Center, Palembang.The activities included pre-test assessment, TB education sessions, discussions, demonstrations of proper cough etiquette and mask use, utilization of leaflets and posters, and post-test evaluation. The results showed an increase in community knowledge, from an average score of 67% before education to 93% after education. Participants were also able to correctly demonstrate cough etiquette and proper mask wearing and removal techniques. Health education based on community empowerment is effective in improving knowledge and skills related to TB transmission prevention. The involvement of families, health cadres, and community leaders plays an important role in supporting early detection, reducing stigma, and strengthening TB prevention behaviors within the community.]]>
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