Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS, AND ATTITUDES OF TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS AT LAKKA GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL REGARDING RECURRENT TB DISEASE

*Dr. Brian Thompson, Ketima Kanu

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Sierra Leone. Recurrent TB (either relapse or reinfection) is a major challenge for treatment success and control programs. Being aware of patients' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions is critical to developing effective interventions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 150 TB patients (in-patients and out-patients) at Lakka Government Hospital, Sierra Leone, between April and September 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to measure socio-demographics, knowledge (10 items), attitudes (3 items) and perceptions (4 items) of recurrent TB. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21 and presented in frequencies and percentages. Results: Of the 150 patients surveyed, 29.3% were suffering from recurrent TB. Knowledge on recurrent TB was poor: good knowledge was found in 26.7% of participants, average knowledge in 39.3% and poor knowledge in 34%. Of the 77.7% who responded to the question, 54% had a good attitude towards TB prevention and treatment and 30.7% had poor attitudes. Perceptions were poor with only 66.7% being classified as poor and 33.3% as good. There were widespread misunderstandings concerning the causes and transmission of TB such as TB being caused by sexual intercourse or witchcraft. Conclusion: The majority of TB patients at Lakka Government Hospital had poor knowledge and negative perceptions about recurrent TB although good attitudes towards treatment were present. Efforts at health education and counseling are urgently needed to clear misconceptions, increase awareness, and improve patient participation in TB control.

Keywords: Recurrent Tuberculosis, Patient Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions.