Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding tuberculosis among adult population in Wajir East district, Wajir County, Kenya

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public concern in the world today and it is estimated that one third of World’s Population is infected with TB.The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices towards TB among the adult populations in Wajir East District. The study was conducted in Wajir East District, Wajir County. A cross- sectional study was undertaken among adults in Wajir District and the study population was selected using multi stage stratified sampling procedure. Households formed the sampling strata. Descriptive statistics of the population in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices on TB infection and prevention was presented using proportions and means for categorical and continuous variables respectively. Questions were scored in order to obtain overall assessment on knowledge, attitude and practices on TB. Attitude towards tuberculosis was scored using a 5-point likert scale of (1-5).Factors associated with knowledge; attitude and practices were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Three hundred and eighty four (384) residents were sampled in the district, 49.6% were males, 59.6% married, and 48.8% had no education and 31.8% unemployed. Awareness on TB was high (97.4%), 41.1% having learnt from family and friends. 86.8% knew that TB was treatable. Formal education was associated with knowing that TB can be treated. In relation to attitude, 54% knew TB was a serious disease,(62.1%) perceived that they were vulnerable to TB. (68.8%) disagreed that TB was a serious disease, (43.3%) said that TB cases were discriminated against and 29.6% strongly agreed that TB was associated with HIV/AIDS. Respondents’ perception was significantly associated with marital status (P = 0.009) and the awareness on TB (P < 0.05). Majority of participants (76.1%) knew the practices that can protect one from being infected with TB,(66.5%) said they would visit health facility after one month, (2.3%) would go to the pharmacy if symptoms of TB appear, (19.7%)would admit their relative in TB Manyatta while (29.3%) do not know what to do incase of TB. Knowing the correct practices was influenced by having formal education and gender (P < 0.05).The level of knowledge on and attitude towards TB were both low among the study participants. However, half of the study participant’s demonstrated incorrect practices towards TB. There is need for intense health education to improve on knowledge, health seeking behavior and practices on TB.