A Study of Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Patients Under Treatment for Tuberculosis in Tuberculosis Unit Ambala City (Haryana)

In 2015, out of the total annual estimated incidence of 9.6 million cases of tuberculosis worldwide, about 2.2 million were from India alone. Every day in India, more than 6000 persons develop tuberculosis and about 600 die of it i.e. on estimation 2 deaths are occurring every five minutes.

To determine the level of awareness of tuberculosis patients regarding various aspects of tuberculosis.

A cross sectional study was carried out on 340 tuberculosis patients registered during the study period of one year under RTNTCP DOTS regimen using a self-designed pretested, semi-structured proforma. Questionnaire contained information regarding socio-demographic profile of TB patients and knowledge about disease and its treatment.

50.3% of patients knew that TB is caused by germs/infection. 43.5% knew that TB spreads via air. 94.7% were aware of cough with expectoration as a symptom, while only 32.4% were aware about all the symptoms of TB. 64.7% knew that TB can be prevented by covering the mouth while coughing and 94.7% knew that TB is curable. 81.8% knew the duration of treatment to be 6–8 months. While 64.1% knew the consequences of not completing their complete course.

Awareness about tuberculosis was good in some aspects like symptoms but in some areas like regularity of treatment inadequate knowledge was present. Some myths like cure of tuberculosis by alternate medicine were also present.