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

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practice among Maasai concerning tuberculosis (TB), and to gain insight into the role of traditional healers in diagnosis and treatment. We conducted a descriptive-explorative study using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews collating information to assess and compare TB knowledge, attitudes, and practice. The study population consisted of the Maasai population. The Maasai have insufficient understanding concerning TB. Schooling has a significant positive effect on knowledge. The Maasai believe TB is manifest as a punishment from god and is treatable with herbs, roots, and bark. The Maasai have numerous other erroneous health assumptions and beliefs concerning TB. Traditional healers act as family doctors and play a key role in TB treatment initiation and adherence. Traditional healers have substantial influence over primary diagnosis and treatment of TB. Education could positively affect initiation of diagnosis and treatment, resulting in better TB control.

Community knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to tuberculosis in Cameroon

“…6 Another study in Tanzania noted that traditional healers were the main source of health care in Massai communities. 7 The majority of our study population knew the main signs and symptoms of TB. Cough lasting 72 weeks and cough with blood (haemoptysis) were mostly correctly identified as the principal symptoms of TB.…”

“…In similar studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, a greater proportion of individuals sought care from traditional healers. 6,7 In Ethiopia, for example, 46% of interviewed individuals relied on traditional healers for anti-tuberculosis treatment. 6 Another study in Tanzania noted that traditional healers were the main source of health care in Massai communities.…”

“…However, similar studies have been conducted in other African countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania and neighbouring Nigeria. [6][7][8] In Nigeria, it was found that although 86% of the study population had heard of pulmonary TB, 55.1% had poor minimal knowledge about the disease, and attitudes towards TB seemed to hinder social interaction with individuals with TB disease. 8 Similar results were found in other parts of Africa.…”

Knowledge and Perceptions about Tuberculosis in Agropastoral Communities in Northern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Studies conducted in Tanzania show that poor knowledge on causes and transmission of tuberculosis among the Maasai people was associated with low level of schooling [28,29]. The importance of knowledge in reducing disease burden by promoting early diagnosis and adherence to treatment has been emphasized [30].…”

Relationships between Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Behavior about Tuberculosis in Service Workers

“…이에 따른 결핵관련 많은 선행연구가 보고되고 있으 나 집단 구성원의 특성을 고려한 결핵관련 연구는 학생 [8,12,[15][16], 군인 [12,17], 의료기관 종사자 [5,18] Table 5]. …”