Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding tuberculosis in a labor-intensive industrial district

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant infectious disease mortality cause in China, with many cases undiagnosed.
• Limited understanding of TB knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) exists within labor-intensive industries.
• Inadequate TB knowledge can increase disease transmission risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess tuberculosis knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among employees in labor-intensive businesses.
• To identify factors influencing TB KAP in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,007 participants.
• A structured questionnaire assessed TB knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
• Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• Mean TB KAP scores were 43.5% (knowledge), 23.5% (attitude), and 75.3% (practice).
• Demographic factors like birthplace, sex, and housing status influenced knowledge and practice scores.
• Multivariable analysis revealed associations between knowledge, attitude, practice, and factors including sex, income, and contact history.

Conclusions:

• Tuberculosis knowledge, attitudes, and practices are suboptimal among manufacturing workers in Songjiang district.
• There is a critical need to enhance TB KAP within this workforce.
• Interventions should address identified influencing factors to improve TB control.