[Comparative study on knowledge about tuberculosis in two cities with different tuberculosis epidemiological index in Khuzestan, 2004]

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis [TB] is a global health problem. One of the most important and effective ways of TB control is health education. Health planning depends on public health needs. The aim of this study was to assess the general population's knowledge about tuberculosis. This study is a comparative descriptive study which was conducted in 2004 in Behbahan and Omidieh, two cities in Khuzestan province with different TB epidemiological index. Nine hundred and seventy five individuals referring to health centers of these cities were asked to answer questions about TB. Data were obtained from questionnaires with 92% reliability and 98%validity and were analyzed with SPSS software using t test with 95% confidence. Of total 975 individuals 546 [56%] were living in Behbahan and 429 [44%] in Omidieh. Mean knowledge score for signs and symptoms, transmission and control of tuberculosis in Behbahan and Omidieh were 26, 10, 13 and 14, 6, 9 respectively. There was a significant difference in tuberculosis knowledge between two cities [P<0.05]