Knowledge, attitude and misconceptions regarding tuberculosis in Pakistani patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess knowledge of patients with tuberculosis; about their disease and misconceptions regarding TB.


METHODS
A cross sectional study was conducted at Out-patient clinics of two teaching hospitals (private and public) in Karachi, Pakistan. A questionnaire was filled for the purpose.


RESULTS
A total of 170 patients were interviewed, 112 from private and 58 from a public sector hospital. Cough, fever, bloody sputum and chest pain were recognized as the common symptoms of TB. Eleven (7%) patients thought TB was not an infectious disease and 18 (10.6%) did not consider it a preventable disease. Contaminated food was considered the source of infection by 81 (47.6%) and 96 (57%) considered emotional trauma/stress the causative agent of TB. No counseling about preventing spread was received by 81 (50%) patients and 97 (57%) considered separating dishes as an important means of preventing spread. Thirty one (18%) patients would have discontinued their medications following relief of symptoms. Thirty nine (23%) of the respondents thought that TB could lead to infertility and 66 (38.8%) believed that there were reduced chances of getting married following infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Misconceptions concerning TB are common in Pakistani patients. Lack of knowledge on Tuberculosis is alarming.
Khan
Javaid Ahmed
JA
Section of Pulmonary Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Irfan
Muhammad
M
Zaki
Amna
A
Beg
Madiha
M
Hussain
Syed Fayyaz
SF
Rizvi
Nadeem
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission