Knowledge, attitude and associated factors towards tuberculosis in Lesotho: a population based study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Education

Background:

• Lesotho faces a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and TB-HIV co-infection.
• Understanding public knowledge and attitudes towards TB is essential for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge and attitudes towards tuberculosis (TB) in the general population of Lesotho.
• To identify socio-demographic factors associated with TB knowledge and attitudes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of the 2014 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) data.
• Involved 9247 respondents.
• Utilized chi-square and logistic regression analyses to examine associations between socio-demographic variables and TB knowledge/attitudes.

Main Results:

• Overall TB knowledge was adequate (59.9%), with higher awareness among females.
• Only 11.5% knew the correct cause of TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
• A positive attitude towards TB was observed in 72.8% of respondents.
• Key factors associated with knowledge included sex, age, education, marital status, media exposure, and occupation.
• Factors associated with attitude included sex, education, media exposure, and occupation.

Conclusions:

• Strategies to improve TB knowledge should target males, young adults, the illiterate, unmarried individuals, and farmers.
• Improving attitudes towards TB requires focused interventions for males, young adults, rural residents, the illiterate, and farmers.