AWARENESS OF TUBERCULOSIS AMONG THE UNDERGRADUATES OF SOUTHERN PUNJAB

http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2023/13.03.438

Abstract

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a significant health concern in

Pakistan, ranking fifth globally with 510,000 new TB cases and approximately 15,000 drug-resistant TB cases

emerging annually. Pakistan accounts for 61% of the TB burden in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

There exists gap about knowledge of Tuberculosis, contributing to delayed diagnosis, alongside pervasive stigma.

Knowledge about this disease among students of universities varies, underscoring the need for enhanced

awareness in this population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to assess awareness of Tuberculosis

among the undergraduates of Southern Punjab. METHODS: This Descriptive Cross Sectional study

encompassed 1,384 students from six universities and seven medical colleges in South Punjab, employing

convenient sampling methods. The data was collected through self-administered questionnaires covering

personal, socioeconomic, knowledge-based, and perception-related aspects of Tuberculosis TB. Face-to-face

interactions and an online Google Form questionnaire were used for data collection, subsequently analyzed using

SPSS 2023. RESULTS: In this study of 1,384 undergraduate students in South Punjab, nearly half came from

medical backgrounds, and the other half from non-medical disciplines. The majority fell within the 17-22 age

range, and the gender distribution was almost equal. Remarkably, 96.34% of medical and 85.4% of non-medical

students were familiar with tuberculosis TB. While symptoms like prolonged fever, weight loss, persistent cough,

and chest pain were recognized, some misconceptions existed about fever and headache as TB symptoms.

Roughly two-thirds of the students correctly understood that TB spreads through coughing and sneezing, while

19% believed it could spread through contact with objects. Preventive measures like covering the mouth and nose

and avoiding spitting were noted. A significant portion believed that close contact with TB patients increased

susceptibility, and a notable gender and study program influence was observed in various TB-related responses.

Although there were some misconceptions, a majority believed TB to be treatable and preferred consulting a

doctor if they suspected TB. TB stigma was moderate, with many students open to meeting TB-infected friends

with precautions and perceiving some level of community support. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the

awareness of Tuberculosis among South Punjab's undergraduate students. Despite misconceptions, many

understand TB and its treatment. Stigma exists, but most students are open to meeting TB-infected friends with

precautions. Gender and study program impact responses, suggesting the need for focused education.