Estimation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Tuberculosis Patients in Penang: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: A clear understanding of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of tuberculosis (TB) patients is important to encourage patients' contribution to TB prevention and control. Appropriate knowledge, positive attitude, preventing transmission and early diagnosis of TB are key factors in improving patient outcomes.
 Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices about TB and determine related influencing factors among TB patients.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional prospective study by using a validated structured tool was conducted among TB patients more than 18 years of age. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize socio-demographic characteristics and TB knowledge, attitude, and practices level. To compare scores of each domain with various demographic factors, the Kruskal Wallis H test was applied.
 Results: Total participants in the study were 337. Of these, 231(68.5%) were male and 106(31.5%) were females with a mean age of 46.5±17.1 years. A significant difference was observed between males and females TB knowledge and practices concerning age. Patients with ³ 12 years of educational background profoundly have better knowledge.
 Conclusion: Overall, TB patients have shown encouraging results of the study, but poor attitudes and practicing behaviors are observed among TB patients. More extensive strategies should be developed to enhance the campaign of awareness programs among TB patients to improve preventing behavior towards disease.