INTRODUCTION–

Tuberculosis is the most dreaded and common global health issue. India accounts for 27% of the 10.4 million new TB cases detected globally.The awareness, knowledge and practices about TB remain a conflict and stumbling block for ending TB. Hence we conducted the study to assess it among TB patients attending tertiary care centre in Chennai, India.

AIM

Toassess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Tuberculosis among patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital.

METHOD

It was a Questionnaire based study among patients attending ‘’Saveetha medical college and hospital’’ Chennai. The sample size was 404. Informed written consent was taken.  After the questionnaire was filled, an information sheet was provided to educate the public.

RESULT

65.3% knew TB is a curable disease but only 42.8% knew about free treatment available in India. 60% of people were aware about correct duration of treatment. 41% knew about BCG vaccination. 49.3% of people favoured isolation of TB patients. 54.4% knew about sputum disposal. Only 33% and 22% had adequate level of knowledge and practice respectively. In our study knowledge and attitude had significant correlation.

CONCLUSION

  Though people are aware of Tuberculosis their knowledge about symptoms, treatment facilities available and practices among the study population is not up to the slogan UNITE TO END TB by 2030.