RESUMO
Background: Tuberculosis has remained a disease of public health importance since ages and is known to inflict large quantum of socioeconomic cost on the society. Since nurses are in direct contact with both hospitalised and ambulatory patients, they are likely to play a vital role in the effective implementation of the RNTCP. The present study attempts to evaluate the awareness of nurses about TB.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care institute, Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Kumarhatti, Solan for period of 1 year. Data was collected from 180 staff nurses and appropriate statistical tests were applied for evaluation of the same.Results: Knowledge regarding the predisposing factors causing the disease, first line drugs under DOTS treatment, full form of DOTS, patient wise boxes and about the side effects of the treatment were comparatively low among the subjects.Conclusions: Nurses are directly handling and managing patients but the knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis was not satisfactory among them. Therefore efforts must be made to organize regular workshops and periodic seminars to upgrade their knowledge.