[Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine] Peer-Led Psychological and Social Support Programme Helps Reduce TB Stigma and Depression in Indonesia

21 July 2026

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine news release

A new study led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Universitas Indonesia has found that community-based, peer-led psychosocial support can substantially reduce TB-related stigma and depression while improving quality of life among people receiving TB treatment in Indonesia.

Between June 2024 and January 2025, researchers conducted a prospective cohort study involving 129 people newly diagnosed with TB in two diverse locations in Indonesia, Depok and Padang. Participants were assessed for TB-related stigma, depression, and quality of life at diagnosis before receiving the TB-CAPS intervention, which combined individual counselling, monthly peer-led group counselling, online group messaging, and community-based education activities. Follow up assessments of TB stigma, depression, and quality of life were conducted at two and six months after treatment initiation.

Read the full news release here.

Source: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine