A Study of Sociodemographic Profile, Awareness and Knowledge about Tuberculosis in Patients of Tuberculosis at Dots Centre

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, is the second leading infectious cause of death in world. The study was carried out in the DOTS centre in Coimbatore region.Material and Methods: It was a cross – sectional observational, descriptive epidemiological study. This study was a humble effort to throw light on sociodemographic profile, knowledge and awareness regarding TB among patients with TB. Results and Discussion: A total of 300 patients were included in the study. Majority of the cases (31.66%) belongs to the age groups of 21-40 years. Out of 300 patients, 223 (74.33%) of patients had aware on the aetiology of tuberculosis. Most of the patients 210 (70.00%) were aware of fact that Tuberculosis could be transmitted from one person to another person via coughing and close contact. About 196 (65.33%) of patients had the knowledge about the importance of BCG vaccine for Tuberculosis. Conclusion: Apart from pharmacological treatment, poor knowledge of TB among patients on TB also needs great attention.