Prevalence, knowledge and practices towards tuberculosis prevention in the Bamenda III sub-division, Cameroon

Abstract

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in developing countries. WHO estimates the prevalence in Cameroon at 17.7% (179/100,000). ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of TB and assess the level of knowledge and practices towards TB prevention among residents of the Bamenda III sub-division of North West Cameroon. MethodsA retrospective study design was used to generate data on the prevalence of TB from 2016 to 2020 while a descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to generate information on the level of knowledge and practices towards TB prevention. ResultsOut of 4950 presumptive cases of TB (all forms), 469 (9.5%) were placed on TB treatment. The highest prevalence was in 2016 (2.9%) and the lowest in 2019 (1.8%). The majority (65.3%, n = 186) of respondents had adequate knowledge of TB while 143 (57.1%) demonstrated adequate practices in TB prevention. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and practice towards TB prevention (ɼ2 = 29.47, p = 0.001). ConclusionThe prevalence of TB (2016–2020) was 9.5%. About one-third of respondents had inadequate knowledge and practices in TB prevention. Sensitization and intensified case finding in favor of TB in this community is encouraged.