TB KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION

Abstract

Objectives: To uncover the trend regarding TB knowledge and perception ofits transmission as well as underlining the socio demographics aspects associated with TBcure among the reproductive venerable women. Methods: Quantitative frame work along withinferential analysis have been carried out by using the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey2006-07 and 2012-13 of ever married women. Results: Trend regarding TB awareness and itscure and treatment have been changed over time by 4.31% and 4.49% respectively in PDHS2012 compared to PDHS 2006. Whereas an adequate knowledge of TB transmission thoughtair when coughing and sneezing remain constant after equating the two surveys. To understandthe functional relationship of variables multinomial logistic regression analysis was carried outseparately for PDHS 2006 and PDHS 2012. Two models revealed that early reproductive agegroup 15-19 of ever married women believed that TB cannot be curable compared to theircounterparts upper age groups 45-49. Illiterate ever married women are more pronounced[OR=5.38 and OR=10.30] that TB is an incurable infectious disease compared to womenhaving higher educational degree in PDHS 2006 and PDHS 2012 respectively. Location andgeographical area of residence, wealth index, and media exposure have positive associationabout TB knowledge of cure and treatment. Conclusion: Although the awareness level improvedbut it still needs to launch some massive and wide-ranging awareness programme regardingan adequate knowledge of various diffusion modes of tuberculosis by utilizing all media modespredominantly television. Potential struggles are obligatory where the subordinate literacy rateand limited health care settings meticulousness in remote areas, so that the illness and deathdue toTB can be minimized.