Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding tuberculosis in two districts of Punjab, Pakistan.
METHODS
Pakistan ranks eighth among the world's highest tuberculosis (TB) burden countries, and Punjab province accounts for 60% of TB cases nationally.


OBJECTIVE
To explore knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding TB in the general population of two districts of Punjab province, and the effect of socio-economic determinants.


METHODS
In a cross-sectional survey, subjects aged > or =20 years were randomly selected using multistage cluster sampling and interviewed. A knowledge score was formulated based on nine questions. Bivariate analysis using the chi(2) test was employed to independently correlate socio-economic factors with understanding of disease and information sources. Attitudes, practices and information sources were also compared with TB knowledge.


RESULTS
Forty-two per cent of the surveyed population had good knowledge about TB, which was associated with better education, high income and good housing (all P < 0.001). Despite the fact that the majority (82.2%) knew about correct treatment, less than half (48.8%) were aware that diagnosis and treatment were free. Intended health-seeking behaviour was determined by better education (P = 0.011), good housing (P = 0.004) and good knowledge about TB (P < 0.001). Television (69.4%) and health workers (43.6%) were the main sources of information.


CONCLUSIONS
Socio-economic factors should be considered when designing communication strategies and prioritising TB prevention and control interventions.
Mushtaq
M U
MU
Research Society, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. umairmushtaq_aimc@yahoo.com
Majrooh
M A
MA
Ahmad
W
W
Rizwan
M
M
Luqman
M Q
MQ
Aslam
M J
MJ
Siddiqui
A M
AM
Akram
J
J
Shad
M A
MA
D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000523:psychology*; D014505:Urban Population