Knowledge about tuberculosis among pulmonary tuberculosis patients: A cross-sectional study from Uttarakhand

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Education

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant public health challenge in India.
• The Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) aims for TB elimination by 2025.
• Effective TB patient knowledge is critical for the RNTCP's passive case-finding strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the level of knowledge regarding tuberculosis among pulmonary TB (PTB) patients.
• To identify specific knowledge gaps in PTB patients within the study area.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted.
• Data collected from new and previously treated PTB patients in Haldwani Block, Nainital District, Uttarakhand, India.
• Statistical analysis performed using Epi Info version 7.2.0.1.

Main Results:

• 111 PTB patients (mean age 36.3 years) were analyzed.
• Awareness regarding TB cause (germs) was 43.2%, and non-hereditary nature was 48.6%.
• Only 13.5% knew about available vaccines, while 68.5% knew about cough/sneeze prevention measures. Overall, 65% had good TB knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Approximately one-third of PTB patients demonstrated poor knowledge about tuberculosis.
• The current RNTCP information, education, and communication (IEC) system requires revision towards culturally sensitive health education.
• A shift from passive to active case-finding strategy may be necessary for TB elimination.