Conhecimento, atitudes e práticas sobre tuberculose em prisões e no serviço público de saúde

Abstract

There are few studies about tuberculosis (TB) knowledge among prisoners, penitentiary system workers and public health network (PRN). Those carried with other populations, point out that the lack of knowledge about the illness is one of the main barriers to the perception of the symptoms, early diagnosis, treatment adherence and cure. Objective: To analyze the knowledge, attitudes and practices about TB in a prison and in public health services (PHS). Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out and KAP (knowledge, attitudes and practices) questionnaire was applied to 141 prisoners, 115 prison's employees and 158 PHS workers. Epi-Info version 6.04 was used for comparison of proportions with statistic significance at p < 0.05. Results: Mistaken concepts on TB were observed among the three searched groups. PHS also showed basic errors on TB knowledge thus pointing out imperfections on training. Conclusion: KAP revealed efficient for data collection of general knowledge items but was limited on practices and attitudes and so its use as the only tool for data collection about knowledge, attitudes and practices on TB is not advisable. It is suggested its regular use to aid educational activities and considering the high prevalence of TB among prisoners, it is noted the need to involve the Departments of Health in the supervision of educational activities in the prison system.