Knowledge of Tuberculosis Prevention Across Eight Districts in Central Uganda: An Analysis of Lot Quality Assurance...

This study assessed tuberculosis (TB)-related knowledge among people of different demographic groups that is essential for effective TB program planning and implementation.

We conducted a cross-sectional study using the lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) methodology in 8 districts, stratifying each district into five supervision areas (SAs). We randomly sampled 19 villages from each SA using probability proportional to size (PPS). We interviewed 2280 respondents, including 760 each of youth 15-24 years, women 15-49 years and men 15+ years. The data were analyzed in proportions and SA-level classifications using the LQAS-based decision rules.

The findings underscore variations in TB knowledge across demographic groups. Among youths, knowledge of at least two TB symptoms stood at 48.6%, while among women and men, it was 55.3% and 57.0%, respectively. Awareness of TB curability was 75.6% among youths, 80.2% among women, and 84.6% among men. A notable proportion of youths (83.4%), women (89.5%), and men (91.4%) were aware of the potential coexistence of HIV and TB. Concerning actions to take if a family member is suspected of having TB, 89.4% of youth, 92.4% of women, and 57.5% of men were knowledgeable. Knowledge of the risks of incomplete TB treatment was noted among 30.9% of youth, 33.0% of women, and 35.0% of men.

There is variation in the level of knowledge across different TB thematic areas between demographic groups, districts and sub-districts (SAs). Planners and implementers of TB programs should be cognizant of such variations and make deliberate efforts to develop tailored interventions in order to address the information and/or education needs of specific contexts in order to improve TB outcomes. The findings highlight the need to particularly target the youth with education programs on TB.