Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Tuberculosis Among Healthcare Workers in Karachi, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional study

Abstract

Background: With over half a million new tuberculosis (TB) cases surfacing each year, Pakistan is among the 30 high TB burden countries. Being deeply underfunded in its fight against TB, much of the awareness among the general population comes from the healthcare workers (HCWs) who are at risk of acquiring nosocomial infection. Thus, this research aims to assess TB's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among HCWs in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine hospitals providing TB services in Karachi, Pakistan, using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Three hundred eighty-four responses from HCWs were assessed for their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on TB infection control. Results: The knowledge of TB infection control among almost half (45.8%) of HCWs was poor and much poorer among administration and lower-level staff. The knowledge level was significantly associated with educational status and TB training and orientation received. The majority (73.2%) of HCWs were positive about TB infection control. Sixty-five percent of HCWs were found to be concerned about being infected with TB. The use of respirators among the HCWs was limited, and triage of TB suspects was also lacking. Conclusions: The results revealed some knowledge gaps and poor practices among healthcare workers regarding TB. Therefore, health professionals must undergo periodic training customized to their needs.