Abstract

Tuberculosis has remained a disease of public health importance since ages and is known to inflict large quantum of socioeconomic cost on the society. The compliance for treatment can be increased if patient is well aware about the disease, treatment and preventive measures. Hence, a study was done to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of TB among TB patients in a tertiary care institute. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care institute, Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College & Hospital, Kumarhatti, Solan for period of 1 year. Data was collected on pre-designed, pre-tested and semi structured schedule by the interview technique by the investigator himself. Appropriate statistical tests were applied for evaluation of data from112 patients Results: Majority (68.8%) had heard of tuberculosis before diagnosis. Nearly one fourth (23.2%) had knowledge about cause of tuberculosis while three fourth of the subjects (76.8%) were unaware of the cause. The most sought answer for investigation was chest x-ray (73.2%). Nearly one third knew the proper duration of treatment (35.7%). Majority of patients i.e. (53.6%) believed that tuberculosis is not a curable disease. Regarding knowledge of prevention of spread of infection to others 75% of the subjects were not aware. Conclusion: There is a definite knowledge gap among the patients regarding the cause, mode of transmission of tuberculosis, duration and dosage schedule of the therapy, which should be definitely addressed by the DOTS providers and IEC materials.

Description