Publication Details
Abstract
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a major global health challenge, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of spreading to other organs. Its persistence is driven by poverty, overcrowding, and compromised immunity. Despite its ancient history, TB continues to burden healthcare systems due to complex biological, environmental, and social factors, making its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment a significant public health concern. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and preventive measures among caregivers of patients admitted in tuberculosis ward of selected hospitals Bhubaneshwar.
METHOD: A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted using a non-probability convenient sampling technique a sample of 70 caregivers from IMS and SUM Hospital and SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar. Data were collected face-to-face using pen-and-paper questionnaires. The Tuberculosis Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire (TBAQ) and a self-structured tool assessed knowledge and preventive measures. SPSS v20 was used for data analysis.
RESULTS: The study found that 55.7% of caregivers had average knowledge of tuberculosis, 40% had good knowledge, and 4.3% had poor knowledge. Regarding preventive measures, 71.5% showed average practices, 17.1% good, and 11.4% poor.
CONCLUSION: The study tried to assess the level of knowledge and preventive measures about tuberculosis among caregivers of tuberculosis patients. There was a significant association between the knowledge and monthly income and there was non-significant association with other sociodemographic variables i.e. age, gender, marital status, religion, education, occupation, residence, anybody else in your family affected with tuberculosis, and relation with patient. There was non-significant association between preventive measures and selected sociodemographic variables.