Knowledge, attitude and practices related to tuberculosis among patients at the Presbyterian Hospital in the Asante Akim North District

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health concerns in Ghana, with serious economic and social consequences. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is preventable and curable, as health educational programmes contribute to the control of TB However, the evidence required for such programmes is lacking in Ghana. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the underlying practices, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of the patients at the Presbyterian hospital in Agogo, the Asante Akim North District (PHAA-AND) about tuberculosis disease and healthcare-seeking behaviour. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among patients in the PHAA-AND. A simple random sampling method was used in selecting 370 participants for the study, who were interviewed regarding their TB knowledge, attitude and infection control practices. Results: Our study shows that the majority of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge about TB regarding its causative agent (68%), transmission (85.6%) and prevention (81.7%). However, poor knowledge was expressed regarding TB treatment by the majority (80.8%) of the respondents. Generally, the majority of respondents had a positive attitude and expressed good infection control practices regarding TB. The strongest determinants of TB related knowledge, or attitude or towards infection control practices were; level of education (OR, 1.49, CI; 1.25-1.77, p < 0.001), and gender (OR, 0.37, CI; 0.21-0.69, p=0.001). Conclusions: Respondents had good PAK towards TB, though some gaps were identified. These gaps called for health education about TB in the study area, and effective educational programs. Keywords: Knowledge; attitude; practices; tuberculosis; Presbyterian Hospital in the Asante Akim North District.