Publication:

Assessment of factors pertaining to tuberculosis knowledge among defaulters: a case control study

Background India has more new TB cases annually than any other country. Good general lay knowledge of tuberculosis, its causes and treatment is considered important for adherence to treatment. Lack of awareness and knowledge about tuberculosis, despite being curable ends up increasing the national morbidity and mortality.

Methods Case control study; conducted on 90 tuberculosis patients - 30 defaulted patients (cases) and 60 treatment completed patients (controls) registered under RNTCP during January 2012 to June 2013 residing in both urban and rural field practice area.

Results Assessment of some factors pertaining to knowledge about tuberculosis showed that among cases; 21(84 %) had no history of TB in their households compared with 35(70%) controls, 22(88%) cases and 42(84%) did not suspect TB at onset, while 18(72%) cases compared to 35(70%) controls had never read any material or attended any TB health education session before their illness. This difference in factors pertaining to TB knowledge among cases and controls was not statistically significant (p<0.05). On multivariate analysis lack of motivation, ignorance of normal duration of treatment and transportation cost were associated with default.

Conclusions There is no difference among cases and controls in factors pertaining to knowledge of tuberculosis and adherence to treatment.