Abstract
BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is one of the main causes of death in developing countries. Awareness and perception of risk of TB could influence early detection, diagnosis and care seeking at treatment centers. However, perceptions about TB are influenced by sources of information.AimThis study aimed to determine the association between multiple sources of information, and perceptions of risk of TB among adults aged 18–49 years.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Ntcheu district in Malawi. A total of 121 adults were sampled in a three-stage simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Perceptions of risk were measured using specific statements that reflected common myths and misconceptions. Low risk perception implied a person having strong belief in myths and misconceptions about TB and high risk perception meant a person having no belief in myths or misconceptions and demonstrated understanding of the disease.ResultsFemales were more likely to have low risk perceptions about TB compared to males (67.7% vs. 32.5%, p = 0.01). The higher the household asset index the more likely an individual had higher risk perceptions about TB (p = 0.006). The perception of risk of TB was associated with sources of information (p = 0.03). Use of both interpersonal communication and mass media was 2.8 times more likely to be associated with increased perception of risk of TB (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.8; 95% Confidence interva1[CI]: 3.1–15. 6; p = 0.01). After adjusting for sex and asset ownership, use of interpersonal communication and mass media were more likely to be associated with higher perception of risk of TB (OR, 2.0; 95% CI: 1.65–10.72; p = 0.003) compared with interpersonal communication only (OR 1.6, 95%; CI: 1.13–8.98, p = 0.027).ConclusionThe study found that there was association between multiple sources of information, and higher perceptions of risk of TB among adults aged 18–49 years.
Highlights
Tuberculosis (TB) causes morbidity among millions of people each year and is ranked the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, after the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Use of both interpersonal communication and mass media was 2.8 times more likely to be associated with increased perception of risk of TB (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.8; 95% Confidence interva1[CI]: 3.1–15. 6; p = 0.01)
After adjusting for sex and asset ownership, use of interpersonal communication and mass media were more likely to be associated with higher perception of risk of TB (OR, 2.0; 95% CI: 1.65– 10.72; p = 0.003) compared with interpersonal communication only
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) causes morbidity among millions of people each year and is ranked the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, after the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The majority of cases reported occurred in South-East Asia (29%), Africa (27%) and Western Pacific (19%) regions [1]. The TB incidence rates are high in Southern Africa with !1000 cases per 100 000 persons in countries such as South Africa and Swaziland. The proportion of TB cases co-infected with HIV-infection is highest in Sub Sahara Africa. TB infections in Sub-Saharan Africa mostly occur in the economically productive 15–49 years old age-group. The current national incidence of TB in the country is 147/100, 000 persons, with a HIV/TB co-infection rate of 60% [2]. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the main causes of death in developing countries. Awareness and perception of risk of TB could influence early detection, diagnosis and care seeking at treatment centers. Perceptions about TB are influenced by sources of information
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