Commnity knowledge, attitudes and practices towards tberculosis and its treatment inMpwapwa District, central Tanzania

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of adult mortality with 32% of the global population infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The current control of TB depends mainly on case management using the Direct-Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTs) regimen. Despite the measures taken, the disease burden is still on increase especially in the developing countries including Tanzania. Correct knowledge and positive perception of the community towards TB and its management is a prerequisite to early treatment seeking. This study was carried out in Mpwapwa district, central Tanzania, to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice as regards to TB and its treatment. Focus group discussions involving men and women were conducted in six villages. Results show that TB was an important public health problem. However, community knowledge on its cause was poor. Symptoms of TB as mentioned by the community included persistent cough and weight loss. TB was reported to be transmitted mainly through air. Self medication was the first most preferred option, whereas health care facility consultation was the last one. Focus group discussants knew that TB cure requires a 8-month period of treatment. Friends and relatives were the main source of TB information in the community. In conclusion, rural communities of Mpwapwa District have a low knowledge on the causes and the transmission of tuberculosis which is a likely cause of the delay in seeking treatment. An intensive appropriate community health education is required for a positive behavioural change in tuberculosis control.

Knowledge and Awareness of Tuberculosis Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in a Rural Area of West Bengal

“…26,27 Sharing of domestic utensils was also considered as an important modes of TB transmission in central Tanzania. 3 In contrary to some other studies 14,28 most of participants in the present study were either unaware or had no idea about the fact that the transmission of TB is preventable. This was only 10% in Pakistan, who was not considered TB as a preventable disease.…”

“…Contrary to that, health facility was the least source of information while relatives and friends were the most important sources in central Tanzania. 3 Interestingly, most of the subjects had misconception about the cause of TB, they think that smoking and chewing tobacco, poor nutrition, drinking alcohol, cold air, dust, shortage of food, drinking raw milk, evil eye and work load were the causes of TB. However, very small number of individuals answered that bacteria/germ was the cause of TB.…”

“…14 Study in central Tanzania also observed smoking cigarette or tobacco as the most important cause of TB infections. 3 Smoking as the cause of TB was also perceived by the majorities of South Africans. 24 The findings of the present study indicated that the subjects had basic awareness about the symptoms of TB, which was comparable to the results of previous studies from West Bengal, 12 North East Ethiopia, 14 South West Ethiopia 22 and Nepal.…”

“…2 Among different types, pulmonary TB is one of the leading causes of adult mortality. 3 Studies also demonstrated that the prevalence of TB was more common among men than women of economically productive age groups, 4 indicating variation in infection and progression of disease. 5 Study shows that HIV positive individuals are more susceptible to develop TB compared to HIV negative individuals and it is the leading cause of death among HIV positive individuals.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Tuberculosis among Maasai in Simanjiro District, Tanzania

“…Such poor understanding is further augmented by erroneous beliefs. 12,13 These beliefs often have a religious or tribal origin and have proven hard to correct through seminars. The hierarchy within Tanzanian tribes is held with revere where they dictate that infectious diseases like TB and HIV/AIDS are taboo.…”