Abstract
Despite the implementation of global plans to end tuberculosis (TB), this disease remains a major cause of ill-health and is the second leading cause of death. In 2019, globally, an estimated 10.0 million people fell ill and about 1.4 million died of TB. During the same year, South Africa was among the eight countries with the highest tuberculosis burden, contributing to two-thirds of the world’s total. Due to the high burden of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, TB in South Africa is a major public health problem. Limpopo is amongst the provinces that are hardest hit by TB and HIV in South Africa. Therefore, using a quantitative descriptive design, this study assessed the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of TB and TB treatment amongst TB patients in the Limpopo Province. A systematic random sampling method was used to sample 207 TB patients who agreed in writing to be part of the study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, however, about 3.9% of participants who could not read were assisted by the main researcher and health professional. About 33% of the participants with primary education were also assisted to clarify any questions that were not clear to them. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences® version 26.0. Validity and reliability of the instrument was ensured, and ethical considerations were observed in this study. The research findings revealed that about 93.25% respondents only came to know they had TB after diagnosis. About 75% indicated that they had visited faith healers and only 2% acknowledged that they had visited traditional healers after diagnosis. A total of 76% of the respondents stated that they strongly believed in their culture and religion. These findings highlight the need for health education efforts to strengthen accurate information to improve TB knowledge and correct misconceptions about TB among patients within the community.
Highlights
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, infecting millions of people annually
5.3% of respondents were over the age of 60 and this could be because some patients were not willing to participate in the study due to the fear of COVID-19
The results of the study highlighted that there is a lack of knowledge, strong beliefs, and incorrect perceptions about TB and its treatment amongst TB patients in the community
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, infecting millions of people annually. TB ranks alongside the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a leading cause of death worldwide, in low- and middle-income countries [1]. Despite the availability of efficacious treatment for TB, high morbidity, and mortality are observed. In 2017, TB caused about 1.6 million deaths globally. In 2019, there were an estimated 10 million new TB cases worldwide, of which 5.6 million were men, 3.2 million were women, and 1.2 million were children. People living with HIV accounted for 10% of the total. It is estimated that about one-third of the world’s population is infected with the tuberculosis bacillus [2]
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