Publication:

Knowledge, attitude and awareness of tuberculosis among caregivers in Mullana, Ambala, India

Background Caregivers play a vital role in supporting tuberculosis (TB) patients through treatment adherence, emotional support, and access to care, yet their knowledge, attitude, and awareness (KAB) regarding TB remain understudied. This study assessed the KAB of caregivers of TB patients admitted to the TB and Chest Ward at MMIMSR, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India, and examined relationships between KAB domains and selected sociodemographic variables.

Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 caregivers of TB patients admitted to the TB and chest ward at MMIMSR during November 2023, recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a validated, self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and structured knowledge, attitude, and awareness domains. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings, and correlation analysis examined relationships between KAB domains and sociodemographic variables, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results Slightly more than half of caregivers (53%) had average knowledge of TB, 45% had good knowledge, and 2% had poor knowledge. Attitudes were largely positive, with 85% rated good, and awareness was high, with 90% rated high. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude, attitude and awareness, and knowledge and awareness. No significant association emerged between sociodemographic factors and knowledge, although attending a health education program was significantly associated with higher awareness.

Conclusions Caregivers demonstrated average knowledge, positive attitudes, and high awareness of TB. Persistent knowledge gaps indicate a need for targeted educational interventions, particularly for caregivers who have not attended health education programs, to strengthen overall KAB and support TB management and control efforts.