Afro-Egypt J Infect Endem Dis 2012 June ;2(2):77-86

 

Improving Community Knowledge and Attitude towards Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Zagazig District- Sharkia Governorate through Application of Interventional Health Education Program

 

Hagag SA , Abosrea MM , Eassa S

 

Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
dr.sohierhagag@yahoo.com

 

                              

 

ABSTRACT

Background and study aim: Egypt has achieved treatment success rates higher than the WHO-recommended target of 85 percent. However the case detection rate of about 50 percent remains below the 70 percent target. This is due to low awareness of population about tuberculosis, delay of patients medical advice about chest symptoms, and lack of coordination between different health sectors.The aim of this study is to clarify knowledge and attitudes regarding pulmonary TB among population of Zagazig district in Sharkia governorate, and to assess the effect of a community intervention health education in improving their knowledge and attitudes about pulmonary TB.

Patients and methods:Survey was conducted on 254 individuals from both sexes ≥ 18years old in Zagazig district, Sharkia governorate. A questionnaire for Knowledge and attitude about pulmonary tuberculosis was adapted from ( Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization for TB control /A guide to developing knowledge, attitude and practice surveys). Then an intervention health education program was implemented and evaluated after three months.

Results : :The study revealed that 61.4% of adults of both sexes had unsatisfactory knowledge about tuberculosis. Only (16.5%) were aware that diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis were free of charge. The correct duration of standard treatment was reported by (21.7%) of studied group. Only 54.3% of study group seeking treatment at a health facility, when feel symptom. About 62.3% were more likely to feel fear and embarrassed if being a TB patient. However, about 60.2% of study population seem to be supportive to tuberculosis patients. The main source of acquired information about tuberculosis were television (54.7%). Regarding the effect of the health education intervention on knowledge of the studied group; there were statistical significant improvement in knowing the mode of transmission of pulmonary TB, place of treatment, and its duration after health education program (p<0.05). The studied group who had satisfactory knowledge about pulmonary tuberculosis was doubled after health education program.

Conclusion : The survey results showed that the overall knowledge regarding TB was unsatisfactory in the studied population. After health education program there is improvement of knowledge regarding TB among studied group.