Involving Local Islamic Leaders (Teungku) in Detecting Pulmonary Tubercolosis Suspect in North Aceh District, Indonesia: A Case Study at Endemic Areas of Pulmonary TB in North Aceh District

. Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis has infected a third of the world's population, Indonesia is categorized as the second most epidemic country. The case detection rate (CDR) of patients with BTA (+) has reached 60%, and 3% of TB patients with positive HIV status (Kemenkes RI, 2014). However, in North Aceh District the CDR is very low (44.71%). This study aimed to analyze the effect of involving the Islamic religious leaders (Teungku) in detecting pulmonary TB suspects. This study is an epidemiological analytic study with case-control research design. This study conducted at two endemic areas of pulmonary tuberculosis namely Nisam sub-district (intervention area) and Kuta Makmur sub-district (control area) conducted from January to June 2016. A total of 160 sample was selected consisted of 80 respondents in intervention group and 80 respondents in control group. Data were analyzed by logistic regression using STATA 12 Program. After the intervention, there was a significantly improved of knowledge, perception and family income among the Islamic religious leaders (Knowledge OR=3, 58, p=0, 026, perception OR=14, 06, p=0, 000) and family income OR=7, 49, p=0, 000). These achivements positively affect to early detection of pulmonary TB suspect. An increase of early check up and TB pulmonary tuberculosis case was found 58 persons, 13 persons and 5 detected compared to 37 persons, 13 persons and 3 detected with TB pulmonary tuberculosis. It is concluded that involving Islamic religious leaders (Teungku) effectively improved knowledge, changing attitudes and perceptions to improve early detection of pulmonary tuberculosis suspects.