Survey of knowledge on tuberculosis. Northeastern sector of Medellín, Colombia
Zuluaga, L.; Betancur, C.; Abaunza, M.; Londoño, J.
Boletin de la Oficina Sanitaria Panamericana. Pan American Sanitary Bureau 111(5): 414-422
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-0632 PMID: 1837719 Document Number: 368227
In 1988, 2,287 persons were interviewed in order to evaluate the knowledge about tuberculosis and the instruction given on the subject among the population aged 15 and over in the northeastern commune of Medellín. Interviews were conducted by nurses who had been trained in tuberculosis and in community education and communication. On the basis of a pilot interview, the survey was adapted to the language level of the studied population. Results indicate that those persons with the fewest years of schooling, those between 15 and 24 years of age, and those over 50 years old have the least knowledge about the disease. The population receives information on tuberculosis through friends (15.8%) and health institutions (9.6%). Individuals with respiratory disease (tuberculosis patients and persons with a cough lasting two or more weeks and testing negative for bacilli) received more information through health institutions, and healthy persons received more through schools.