Study of knowledge on disease, preventive measures and therapeutic management of tuberculosis among patients attending the district chest clinic, Batticaloa

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria. Worldwide, TB is the 13th leading cause of death and the 2nd leading infectious disease after covid 19. It is a major health problem, given its high incidence, prevalence and mortality. Geographically, most TB patients in 2019 were in the South East Asia. Our neighbouring India was in the top of list. In Sri Lanka, annually on average, 8000-9000 cases are reported. Majority of the total case burden is from Colombo district. There are considerable number of cases reported from Batticaloa district also. Paediatric TB cases remains low in our country. But high proportions are reported in districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Batticaloa. So, we identified that the burden of TB disease in Batticaloa district is considerable. As researchers, we wanted to identify what is the problem that can cause to high Tuberculosis prevalence in Batticaloa district. we assumed that there is gap in knowledge on the TB disease, preventive measures and strategies of therapeutic management among TB patients. As this is an area with high incidence and prevalence, there should be data regarding what is the problem in patient’s side. So, this is why, we decided to do our research under the topic of “Study on knowledge on disease, preventive measures and therapeutic management of Tuberculosis among patients attending the district chest clinic Batticaloa. Our main purpose was to study the knowledge on Tuberculosis disease, preventive measures and therapeutic management of Tuberculosis among patients attending the district chest clinic, Batticaloa. Under this topic, we studied socio demographic characteristics of Tuberculosis patients, knowledge on the Tuberculosis disease, knowledge on the preventive measures and knowledge on therapeutic management of Tuberculosis disease, among the patients who attended the district chest clinic, Batticaloa. This was a healthcare setting based descriptive cross-sectional study. The study setting was the District Chest Clinic, Batticaloa. The sample consisted about 115 patients which was selected from complete enumeration. Study period was from March 2022 to July 2023. Our data collection period was from April to June 2023. Study Population was Patients with Tuberculosis registered in district chest clinic Batticaloa during out data collection period. Data were collected by asking questions from the patients individually, according to the questionnaire. Questionnaire was filled by the researchers only. Pilot study was carried out after obtaining the ethics clearance in 10 patients who were admitted to a medical ward. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. In our study, most of the TB patients were elderly. There were considerable paediatric population among the patients. Majority of TB patients were male. Majority were from rural areas. Most TB patients were reported from Kaluwanchikudi and Chenkalady MOH areas. No patient was reported from Vaharei MOH area. Most of patients were unemployed their families get less than Rs.30 000 monthly income. Most of the patients were not well educated. As an overall, majority of TB patients who followed up the chest clinic had an average knowledge on TB disease and how is transmitted. Majority of patients had a poor knowledge on preventive measures and how to avoid spreading of TB. Majority patients had an average knowledge on the therapeutic management of TB disease, drug regimen, duration of treatment period and common side effects of anti TB drugs. Our study revealed, regarding knowledge on preventive measures of TB majority of patients have poor knowledge. This may be one of causes for increased incidence and prevalence of TB. Although patients were well aware about transmission, prevention and therapeutic management, some patients don’t follow them practically. They don’t obey to the instructions and don’t like to change the life style and habits. This also can be a cause of high TB prevalence although patients have a good knowledge. Regarding the demographic view, we revealed most of the TB patients were from rural area. They were not well educated. Majority was unemployed. Their families got low income. There finding suggest us, there is a strong relationship between the poor socioeconomic background and TB disease.