KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES ON TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION AND CONTROL AMONG RESIDENTS OF A BARANGAY IN DAVAO CITY

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB), mainly affects the lungs, was common in eight countries, including the Philippines, and is treatable yet still exists and contagious. It is one of the foremost causes of death globally.

Objectives: This study wanted to ascertain the respondents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about TB prevention and control.

Methods: Descriptive-comparative design was utilized in this study conducted among residents (n=387) of a barangay in Davao City randomly selected following the criteria: 18 years old and above, not being diagnosed with TB, residing for at least six months in that barangay, regardless of sex, ethnicity, and religion, and willing to participate in the study. After the ethical approval was secured, a four-part questionnaire was used to gather data. Data analysis was done using the SPSSv.29.

Results: were females aged 26-35, college level, who stayed in the barangay for >40 years with a monthly income of below Php 10,000.00. Many of them have high knowledge, positive (high) attitudes (M=3.63), and good practices (M=3.60) on TB infection prevention and control. A statistically significant difference was noted between knowledge and age (p<0.001) and years of residence (p<0.001). Meanwhile, attitudes towards TB have statistically significant difference when grouped according to their age (p<0.01) and years of residence (p<0.01). Moreover, age and treatment practices (p0.00), prevention practices (p0.014), sex and treatment practices (p0.047), and years of residency and treatment practices (p<0.01) and prevention practices (p0.040) showed to have statistically significant differences.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that younger and middle-aged adults are more knowledgeable and have good attitudes and practices about TB prevention and control compared to older adults. Moreover, as the number of years of residency increases, knowledge, attitude, and practices decline. Educational and intervention initiatives was designed to close knowledge gaps and directly tackle certain demographic issues in TB preventive and treatment protocols. To further enhance the management of TB and guarantee that varied population groups experience positive health results, specific measures can be employed.