Knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis among pre-university students in Trinidad

The purpose of the study was to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes among pre-university students in Trinidad and Tobago on the pre-disposing factors and prevention of tuberculosis and the management of persons with the disease. More than 90% (542 of 600) of participating students from nine secondary schools duly completed the self-administered questionnaires. Two-thirds of the students were girls (336) and the rest were boys (206). The ages of the participants ranged from 16-19 years and more than 82% of them belonged to the 17-18 year old age group. The least represented was the 19 year olds. The study showed that although 92.8% had heard of tuberculosis, overall knowledge about the disease was generally poor. The majority of students (77.5%) believed the disease could be prevented, but 10.3% knew of the BCG vaccine and only 11.1% knew about the Mantoux skin test. The study also demonstrated the need for renewed efforts in health education for the public, clarifying areas of misunderstandings about important and common diseases like tuberculosis, in developing countries.