Awareness about tuberculosis in a rural area of Mandya district: A cross-sectional study in southern Karnataka

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a re-emerging disease in India. Creating awareness among the community still plays a vital role in preventing and controlling the spread of TB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of 4 months in a rural area in Mandya, southern Karnataka. Sample size was estimated and those who fulfill the inclusion criteria were included with prior consent. Data were collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi info software. RESULTS: Among the 774 participants, majority (61.8%) of the study participants belonged to the age group of 30–59 years; 32.7% of the subjects had studied up to secondary level of education. More than three-fourth of the subjects (76.1%) had heard about TB disease. More than 50% of the subjects mentioned “coughing” by a diseased person as the main reason for spread. Forty percent of the subjects, opined as recovery, will be complete after treatment. More than 60% of the subjects knew that TB diagnosis and treatment is free in any government health center. CONCLUSION: Our study found that knowledge regarding TB and its control in many of the aspects is either insufficient or not satisfactory in the community.