Using a Knowledge and Awareness Survey to Engage and Inform a Community-Based Tuberculosis Intervention among Nomads...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Community Health Interventions

Background:

• Nomadic populations face significant health disparities, including vulnerability to tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to isolation and limited healthcare access.
• Poverty and social exclusion exacerbate health risks for these mobile communities.
• A knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) survey was conducted in Adamawa, Nigeria, to understand TB-related beliefs and behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement community-driven outreach programs for TB and HIV case finding among nomadic populations.
• To utilize KAP survey findings to tailor health interventions effectively.
• To improve access to essential health information and services for isolated communities.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving an adapted WHO KAP survey was administered to nomadic individuals.
• Interventions were developed based on KAP survey results, focusing on community input.
• Active case-finding strategies for TB and HIV were implemented through community outreach.

Main Results:

• Only 32.1% of respondents understood TB causes, and over 60% lacked community health facilities.
• Radio and healthcare workers were identified as key information sources.
• Outreach led to screening of 61,891 individuals for TB (306 diagnosed) and 4,489 for HIV (69 positive), with all linked to treatment.

Conclusions:

• KAP surveys are crucial for designing evidence-based, community-driven interventions for TB and HIV case finding.
• Targeted outreach strategies can successfully reach nomadic populations and improve disease detection.
• Community engagement is vital for addressing health challenges in vulnerable and isolated groups.