Knowledge, Attitude and misconceptions regarding tuberculosis in Pakistani patients

ABSTRACT

To assess knowledge of patients with tuberculosis; about their disease and misconceptions regarding TB. A cross sectional study was conducted at Out-patient clinics of two teaching hospitals [private and public] in Karachi, Pakistan. A questionnaire was filled for the purpose. A total of 170 patients were interviewed, 112 from private and 58 from a public sector hospital. Cough, fever, bloody sputum and chest pain were recognized as the common symptoms of TB. Eleven [7%] patients thought TB was not an infectious disease and 18 [10.6%] did not consider it a preventable disease. Contaminated food was considered the source of infection by 81 [47.6%] and 96 [57%] considered emotional trauma/stress the causative agent of TB. No counseling about preventing spread was received by 81 [50%] patients and 97 [57%] considered separating dishes as an important means of preventing spread. Thirty one [18%] patients would have discontinued their medications following relief of symptoms. Thirty nine [23%] of the respondents thought that TB could lead to infertility and 66 [38.8%] believed that there were reduced chances of getting married following infection. Misconceptions concerning TB are common in Pakistani patients. Lack of knowledge on Tuberculosis is alarming