Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding tuberculosis in two districts of Punjab, Pakistan

SETTING: Pakistan ranks eighth among the world's highest tuberculosis (TB) burden countries, and Punjab province accounts for 60% of TB cases nationally. OBJECTIVE: To explore knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding TB in the general population of two districts of Punjab province, and the effect of socio-economic determinants. DESIGN: In a cross-sectional survey, subjects aged >= 20 years were randomly selected using multistage cluster sampling and interviewed. A knowledge score was formulated based on nine questions. Bivariate analysis using the chi(2) test was employed to independently correlate socioeconomic factors with understanding of disease and information sources. Attitudes, practices and information sources were also compared with TB knowledge. RESULTS: Forty-two per cent of the surveyed population had good knowledge about TB, which was associated with better education, high income and good housing (all P < 0.001). Despite the fact that the majority (82.2%) knew about correct treatment, less than half (48.8%) were aware that diagnosis and treatment were free. Intended health-seeking behaviour was determined by better education (P = 0.011), good housing (P = 0.004) and good knowledge about TB (P < 0.001). Television (69.4%) and health workers (43.6%) were the main sources of information. CONCLUSION: Socio-economic factors should be considered when designing communication strategies and prioritising TB prevention and control interventions.