Methods and channels of communications for prevention of tuberculosis in community

ABSTRACT

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the diseases with highest incidence and mortality world-wide. Vietnam ranked 13 of 22 countries with highest number of tuberculosis patients in the world. Methods and channels is one factor among some important factors which affect effectiveness of health communication activities in general and communication activities for prevention of tuberculosis in particular. Objectives: To describe probable for access tools of health communication among general inhabitants and to determine which methods and tools should be used. Subjects and method: This was a cross-sectional described study. A population based survey was carried out within a demographic surveillance site in Bavi, Ha Tay province. Subjects of the study were adults (> 15 years old) randomly identified at households level. Results and Conclusion: A total of 12143 persons were interviewed. People received TB information from many sources. Commonly, reported sources of information included television (64.6%) and friends/relatives (42.7%). There were different sources of information between men and women. The use of more than one method/channel should be considered in TB health education activities. Commonly, television and loudspeaker were suggested (70.4% and 55.1%).