Knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis in caregivers of paediatric tuberculosis patients of north Gujarat region, India: a cross sectional study

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONTuberculosis is a worldwide, chronic communicable bacterial disease. It is a very strange disease because of its varied clinical presentation, host response, chemotherapeutic response, etiology and social implications. It continues to be one of the most important public health problems worldwide. It infects one third of the world's population at any point of time. There are approximately 9 million new cases of all forms of TB occurring annually and 3 million people dying from it each year. 95% of cases and 98% of the TB deaths are contributed by developing countries.1 India is the highest TB burden country accounting for one fifth of the global incidence and it is 17 th among 22 high TB burden countries in terms of TB incidence rate.1 Every year, ABSTRACTBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the most important public health problems worldwide. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of tuberculosis, which is often difficult to diagnose and therefore difficult to treat effectively. The compliance for treatment can be increased if caregivers of paediatric TB patients are well aware about the disease, treatment and preventive measures. Methods: This cross sectional observational, descriptive epidemiological study was conducted at GMERS medical college and hospital Dharpur-Patan located in north Gujarat during January 2015 to June 2015. The study was conducted among all the 151 pediatric TB patients who were currently under treatment at selected hospital. Caregivers of the patients were informed about the purpose of the study and their informed written consent was taken. By interviewing them on the basis of pre-designed and pre tested preform, information regarding socio demographic profile, knowledge and awareness regarding TB was collected. The collected data was analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS 17 Trial version). Results: Only 68 (45.0 %) caregivers of patients had knowledge regarding mode of spread of TB infection to others. 89 (58.9%) caregivers of patients knew about curability of the disease. 104 (68.9%) caregivers of patients had knowledge regarding DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short course chemotherapy) centre for TB treatment under RNTCP (Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme). 32.3% caregivers of the patients knew that TB can be prevented by BCG vaccine. The literacy status had a significant influence on awareness about TB. Conclusions: Apart from pharmacological treatment poor knowledge of tuberculosis in caregivers of the paediatric TB patients also needs great attention for better control and prevention of TB in paediatric age group.

Caretakers' perspectives of paediatric TB and implications for care-seeking behaviours in Southern Mozambique

“…The results also revealed the lack of knowledge regarding the aetiology of TB; this was especially exacerbated among caretakers of group C. However, despite having participated in a TB screening process, thus having been in contact with TB health professionals, caretakers of group A presented a similarly limited understanding of TB transmission to that of group C. In contrast, caretakers of group B presented a relatively high level of understanding, with over half of respondents reporting coughing as a form of transmission. These results disagree with findings from Asia, according to which only around 40% of caretakers of children recently diagnosed with TB in China and those under treatment of TB in India were aware of the disease transmission modes [ 11 , 12 ]. The differences in knowledge found in Mozambique suggest that group B was more exposed to biomedical knowledge of TB, given that they initiated TB treatment, which implies weekly visits to the NTP accompanied by counselling.…”

“…Few studies have examined the perceptions of local communities regarding the aetiology and prevention of TB[ 8 – 10 ], and even fewer address paediatric TB[ 11 , 12 ]. Understanding how TB is conceptualised is crucial, not only to comprehend the causes of treatment delays but also to inform strategies to increase awareness and change behaviour.…”

Parents’ Knowledge as a Risk Factor of Tuberculosis in Children

“…Proper, appropriate and effective knowledge can stop the spread of TB in society. Knowledge and perception about TB can influence care-seeking behavior and adherence to treatment [15][16] The previous studies have showed that there are many parents who do not have good knowledge of TB. A research conducted by Suhada et al (2015) states that there are still many parents who do not know how long TB treatment is and some respondents do not know that drugs for TB have to be consumed every day for 6 months.…”

Perception about BCG vaccination and tuberculosis among urban mothers

“…The compliance for treatment can be increased if caregivers of paediatric TB patients are well aware about the disease, treatment and preventive measures. 6 Poor living conditions, malnutrition, shanty housing and overcrowding are the main reasons for the spread of the disease. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of tuberculosis, which is often difficult to diagnose and therefore difficult to treat effectively.…”