Publication:

Knowledge about tuberculosis among undergraduate medical students in a private college in Chennai

Background Tuberculosis is an ancient global public health problem. In India despite of persistent government efforts in the form of revised national anti-tuberculosis programme (RNTCP) and directly observed treatment strategy (DOTS), TB still remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in India. Multi-drug resistant TB and extensively drug resistant TB are other threats to present anti-TB strategies.

Methods Hence the present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of undergraduate about tuberculosis under various headings of about tuberculosis, etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, complications and treatment. The present cross-sectional study was done in the private medical college in Chennai among 90 undergraduate medical students.

Results Regarding knowledge of tuberculosis, clinical features of TB, was more than 80% in interns. But the knowledge about diagnosis was only 70%. At the same time the treatment options and drugs available was known to 85% of undergraduates. Correct duration in months and schedule of giving drugs on alternate days was not known to 15% of students.

Conclusions Although awareness is created through world tuberculosis day, CMES, conferences, yet hands on training in treating tuberculosis to be given to the undergraduates as this the crucial period for learning.