Knowledge among a TB course Participants regarding pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

Objective:To assess the knowledge regarding tuberculosis, among a heterogeneous group of doctors and health workers, dealing with tuberculosis.Design: Cross-sectional studyMethod: A standardized questionnaire was administered among the participants of “second certificate course in tuberculosis†at Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases,Karachi. It was filled before start of the course. The questions covered wereknowledge related to diagnosis, treatment, National Tuberculosis Program (NTP)guideline, and Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS).Results:Out of 128 participants 75 (58.5%) filled the form. Majority, i.e. 67 (89.3%)responded that TB spread via droplets; 72 (96%) knew the major symptoms ofpulmonary tuberculosis; 64 (85.3%) responded that sputum smear is single bestinvestigation for diagnosis; 47 (62.7%) were able to write correct prescription for the intensive phase and 32 (42.7%) for the continuation phase. Only fifteen (20%) knew components of DOTS, while 42 (56%) would prescribe Fixed Dose Combination (FDCs) to their patients.Conclusions:The knowledge of our physicians about tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment isreasonably good but need to improve knowledge about Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) and National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) guideline.