Awareness of tuberculosis among nurses

Background: Tuberculosis is a leading infectious killer disease worldwide. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment on the part of the health care providers is essential for TB control. Their knowledge, attitude and practice have an impact on the tuberculosis patients regarding compliance to treatment and follow up. There are limited studies in India assessing the knowledge of nursing professionals regarding TB transmission, prevention and control. This study seeks to assess the same. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at SRM Medical College and Research Centre, Potheri, Kanchipuram district. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was given to 224 nursing staff. The responses were then analyzed. Results: A high proportion (71.80%) of awareness was found regarding the causation of TB by bacterium, air-borne method of spread and over-crowding being a significant risk factor. A lesser proportion of the participants were aware that TB does not spread by breast feeding (54.9%) or hand shaking (33%) and that ATT should be continued during pregnancy. Levels of knowledge on the preventable nature of TB infection (56%) and the availability of ATT were also found to be low. Conclusions: This study indicates the need for addressing the gaps regarding the knowledge and transmission of TB among the nursing care professionals. Nursing professionals still are in need of continuing educational programs regarding treatment and control of TB. Improved knowledge on TB will thus contribute to effective TB control and in the long term, will help India achieve the goal of End TB.