Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Inadequate knowledge and practices of health workers and TB patients concerning MDR-TB may have serious health consequences and significant negative impact in the control of TB. Objective: The purpose of the study was to ascertain the knowledge, and practices of health care workers and TB patients concerning MDR-TB. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted by questionnaire designed precisely for the study. Data was collected from 115 health workers at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, and 120 patients from DOTS centers. Data collected included sociodemographic and professional categories, knowledge and practices concerning MDR-TB. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21. Statistical significance of association between variables was assessed using Chi-square test at p<0.05. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of UNTH and consent was obtained from TB patients. Results: All 115 and 120 respondents among health workers and TB patients respectively returned the completed questionnaires. Among health workers, 60 (52.2%) were females, 55 (47.8%) were males, and mean age was 38.7�?±11.8 years. Majority of TB patients were females 54.6%, with mean age of 32�?±12.6. A higher percentage 64.3% had tertiary education among health workers while only 13.5% among TB patients had tertiary education. Majority of TB patients 87.6% had no knowledge of MDR-TB, while only 35.6% of health workers had good knowledge. Category of health workers and knowledge of MDR-TB relationship was not statistically significant (X2=8.296, df=4, p=0.081), but the relationship with their practices concerning MDR-TB was statistically significant (X2=13.426, P=0.001). Practices of both health workers and TB patients towards MDR-TB were poor. Conclusion: Both knowledge and practices of health care workers and TB patients concerning MDR-TB were poor. Training on MDR-TB for health care workers and health education for TB patients should be intensified for good treatment outcomes and improvement in TB control programs generally

Biography

Omotowo Babatunde Ishola is currently working as an expertise chief in department of community health medicine at University of Nigeria, Teaching hospital, Enugu Nigeria