Gender perspectives on knowledge and practices regarding tuberculosis in urban and rural areas in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

We investigated gender differences in knowledge of and attitude towards tuberculosis [TB] in urban and rural communities in Sindh province, Pakistan. Knowledge of symptoms was generally deficient, particularly in rural females. Regarding TB prevention, 22.4% of rural and 14.4% of urban males said completing treatment was important; only 9.8% of rural and 7.1% of urban females agreed. Doctors were an important source of information in rural areas and 60.9% of rural males said they would only stop treatment on a doctor's advice. In contrast, > 65% of respondents in urban areas said they would stop treatment when symptoms ended. Our study highlights the need to increase population awareness about TB in Sindh