English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Globally, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death due to infectious diseases. TB continues to rank among world’s most serious health problems despite effective diagnostic & treatment measures. The objectives of the study were to asses and compare the knowledge of tuberculosis among rural and urban slum population and identify the factors associated with their knowledge of tuberculosis. METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted and multistage random sampling technique was applied for selection of the individual study subjects. Data was collected using a semi-structured and pre-tested interview schedule. RESULTS 200 individuals were included in the study with an overall mean age (SD) of the individuals of 36.66 (± 13.091) years. 189 (94.5) participants had heard of tuberculosis. 36 (37.9 %) urban slum and 20 (21.3 %) rural participants said that cough is the most common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. 42 (52.5 % among rural population was having good knowledge (rural vs. urban; 52.5 % vs. 47.5 %) compared to urban slum population. Literacy (P = 0.049) and family type (P = 0.044) have played a significant role in acquiring good knowledge of tuberculosis among the participants irrespective of their place of residence. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant difference in the knowledge of TB among rural and urban slum population. Literate persons were more aware compared to illiterate population irrespective of their place of living. In spite of having good awareness regarding TB, in general the knowledge level on risk factors was not satisfactory and needs further improvement. Therefore, a special drive has to be started for imparting knowledge to the community regarding risk factors as this could prevent further occurrence or progress of TB. KEYWORDS Tuberculosis, Knowledge of TB, Urban Rural Difference