Role of mass media on knowledge generation and countering misconceptions about tuberculosis transmission in Nepal

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the role of mass media on knowledge generation and counter the misconceptions about tuberculosis (TB) transmission in Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in the largest referral hospital in Nepal. The quota sampling technique was used to recruit 283 subjects into the sample. Results: A total of 235 (83.0%) respondents correctly replied that TB transmits through air by coughing or sneezing. A total of 29 (10.2%) respondents had correct knowledge about TB transmission without having misconceptions. Similarly, regarding the misconceptions about TB transmission, 157 (55.5%) replied that TB transmits through utensils, 163 (57.6%) respondents replied that TB transmits through sharing clothes/bed sheets/towel, 62 (21.9%) respondents replied that TB transmits through touching a person with TB, 142 (50.2%) respondents replied that TB transmits through food, 88 (31.1%) respondents replied that TB transmits through sexual contact. Respondents who read newspaper (ajusted odd ratio=3.004, cofidence interval=1.208-7.471) and listen to the radio daily (ajusted odd ratio=4.610, cofidence interval=1.738-12.234) were more likely to have correct knowledge on transmission of TB. Conclusions: National TB Control Program in Nepal should give priority in disseminating TB related message through newspapers, magazines and radio programs.