Table 2 Knowledge of tuberculosis, mode of transmission and suggested preventive measures (prospective participants)
Variables | Frequency | Percent |
|---|---|---|
Can tuberculosis be cured? (n = 140) | ||
 Yes | 137 | 97.9 |
 No | 1 | 0.7 |
 Do not know | 2 | 1.4 |
If yes, the source of information (n = 137) | ||
 Nurses | 42 | 30.7 |
 Physician | 34 | 24.8 |
 Family and friends | 22 | 16.1 |
 Self-belief | 21 | 15.3 |
 Internet | 11 | 8.0 |
 Media (radio) | 4 | 2.9 |
 Education background | 3 | 2.2 |
Can tuberculosis be transmitted? (n = 140) | ||
 Yes | 128 | 91.4 |
 No | 5 | 3.6 |
 Do not know | 7 | 5.0 |
If yes, summary of common modes of TB transmission (n = 232)* | ||
 Coughing without covering the mouth | 107 | 46.1 |
 Sharing of cutleries, plates, cups etc. | 46 | 19.8 |
 Indiscriminate/careless spitting | 23 | 9.9 |
 Overcrowding | 21 | 9.1 |
 Through the air | 20 | 8.6 |
 Kissing | 13 | 5.6 |
 Singing, sneezing | 1 | 0.4 |
 Others e.g. sexual intercourse, use of sharp objects | 1 | 0.4 |
Suggested measures for prevention of TB transmission (n = 248)* | ||
 Covering mouth when coughing | 123 | 49.6 |
 Do not share any cutlery | 65 | 26.2 |
 Always avoid indiscriminate spitting | 30 | 12.1 |
 Ensuring proper ventilation | 13 | 5.2 |
 Taking drugs as prescribed | 10 | 4.0 |
 Observing personal hygiene | 4 | 1.6 |
 Do not share clothing | 2 | 0.8 |
 Avoiding sexual intercourse for some period during TB treatment | 1 | 0.4 |
Knowledge of medications to treat TB infection (n = 140) | ||
 Yes, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol (HRZE) | 6 | 4.3 |
 Don’t know | 134 | 95.7 |