Knowledge and Perceptions about Tuberculosis in Agropastoral Communities in Northern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Andrew Kilale,Julius Muhumuza,Bernard Ngowi,Esther Ngadaya,Yakobo Lema,Sayoki Mfinanga,Gibson Kagaruki,Sven Hinderaker

doi:10.9734/bjmmr/2015/18973

Abstract

Aim: To determine knowledge and perceptions about tuberculosis in agropastoral communities in Northern Tanzania. Study Design: This was a cross sect ional study on habits and attitudes to tuberculosis. Methods: The study was conducted between June 2011 and May 2012.We enrolled tuberculosis patients registered at Mount Meru Hospital in Arusha municipal, Enduleni Hospital in Ngorongoro district, and Hay dom Lutheran Hospital in Mbulu district. In addition we selected for comparison some of their household relatives and individuals from the neighborhood. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Knowledge about tuberculosis was assessed by quest ions concerning causes, symptoms, modes of transmission and prevention and treatment. Key variables for

Highlights

Tuberculosis constitutes a significant global public health concern, especially in developing countries [1,2]
Only two of the neighbors had never heard about tuberculosis in their life time
Our study shows that study participants had heard about tuberculosis but specific knowledge was low

Summary

Introduction

Tuberculosis constitutes a significant global public health concern, especially in developing countries [1,2]. In addition to the public health impact, the economic effects of tuberculosis are severe [3,5]. Lack of knowledge about tuberculosis may play an important role in delayed diagnosis and treatment [6]. Many patients only seek healthcare after a long duration of disease and transmission, perhaps a consequence of lack of knowledge [7]. Further evidence from a large survey shows that a person's response to tuberculosis disease is associated with his prior knowledge of it [8], and better knowledge of tuberculosis is shown to be associated with better health-seeking behavior [9]. Delayed diagnosis and treatment leads to increased risk of transmission. The impact of treatment of tuberculosis is partly determined by the patient’s health-seeking behavior, which may in turn be influenced by the patients’ demographic characteristics, knowledge and socio-cultural factors [10]. Cattle can transmit mycobacteria to man which may cause disease, like adenitis [11,12]

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