Awareness and perception about tuberculosis in the general population of Delhi
Sharma, N.; Malhotra, R.; Taneja, D.K.; Saha, R.; Ingle, G.K.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health 19(2): 10-15
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1010-5395 PMID: 18050558 DOI: 10.1177/10105395070190020301Document Number: 239744
The present study was conducted to assess awareness and perception toward tuberculosis (TB) among the general population of Delhi, India. A total of 1008 adults, selected by multistage stratified systematic sampling, were interviewed using a pre-tested proforma. The majority had heard about TB (99.1%) and most (89.2%) perceived it to be an infectious disease. The correct mode of transmission, i.e., airborne (coughing/sneezing), was known to 71.8% of study subjects. The majority (90.1%) knew cough as a symptom. Nearly all (98.2%) perceived TB to be a preventable disease, citing the treatment of patients as the mainstay of preventing spread of the disease. However, responses such as separation of utensils or hospitalization of the patient to prevent the spread of the disease indicate persistence of stigma and discrimination in a small proportion of the population. There is a need to widen the scope and intensify the information and education being provided to the population based on gaps identified.