Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Tuberculosis in Timor-Leste: Results From the Demographic and Health Survey 2016

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding tuberculosis (TB) in the general population in Timor-Leste. Methods In the nationally representative cross-sectional 2016 Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey, 4622 men (aged 15-59 years) and 12 607 women (aged 15-49 years) were randomly selected using stratified multistage sampling and interviewed. Results Overall, 66.9% of men and 62.8% of women were aware of TB, 4.4% of men and 12.6% of women had TB courtesy stigma, and 83.3% of men and 88.6% of women reported intention to receive TB treatment. The mean±standard deviation overall TB knowledge score was 3.9±2.0 (out of 8) among men and 3.0±1.8 among women. In a multivariable linear regression analysis, among both men and women, older age, higher education, rural residence, and sources of TB information (family/friends, school/workplace, health care provider, Internet, television, and newspaper) were associated with higher TB knowledge scores. In addition, among women, higher wealth status and having heard about TB from the radio were associated with higher TB knowledge scores. Negative associations with TB courtesy stigma were found for urban residence and having heard about TB from family or friends among men, and for older age, higher TB knowledge, and TB information sources (family/friends and school/workplace) among women. Among both men and women, higher TB knowledge scores and having heard of TB from a health care provider were associated with intention to receive TB treatment. Conclusions This study identified socio-demographic risk factors for deficiences in population-based TB knowledge in Timor-Leste; these findings should be considered when designing TB communication, prevention, and control strategies.

Determinants of Self-Reported Correct Knowledge About Tuberculosis Transmission Among Men and Women in Malawi: Evidence from a Nationwide Household Survey.

“…In agreement with previous studies [26][30] [35], this study found that respondents who had exposed to television, radio and newspaper, being in professional/technical/managerial, having knowledge that TB can be cured and being urban dwellers were associated with correct knowledge about TB transmission. It is reported that, the media form a crucial role in patients' knowledge about TB and, therefore, underscores the requisite for TB health education programmes among disadvantaged households [25] [54].…”

“…Our results are consistent with prior literature [46] Eventually, improved levels of education in the community can improve cognitive level and increase the general knowledge about infection control including TB and the general health of the people [51]. Furthermore, as with previous literature [26] [35], the current study found that respondents from the richest households had high chances of having correct knowledge about TB transmission. Generally, the an explanation to this nding might be that, people from households with better income, usually tend to have higher probability of acquiring improved health knowledge and better health seeking behavior [52] [53].…”

“…[25]. Studies from different settings have examined the predictors of self-reported correct knowledge about TB transmission and found that age [26] [27], gender [11] [26] [27] [28], education levels [26] [27][28] [29], household wealth [28], occupation [29], religion [11], exposure to mass media [11] [26] [30], geographical region [26] [27] [28], and perception that TB can be cured [11] were the most signi cant predictors. Understanding knowledge of TB in general and its determinants can inform policy developers and implementers of effective community based health promotion programs.…”

The role of mass media exposure on Tuberculosis knowledge and attitude among migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Northwest Ethiopia

“…Nearly half of migrants and seasonal farm workers had a favorable attitude. This finding is lower than a study conducted in Timor Leste (83.3% in men and 88.6% in women) (31). This could be due to the difference in defining the outcome variable.…”

The role of mass media exposure on Tuberculosis knowledge and attitude among migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Northwest Ethiopia

“…Nearly half of migrants and seasonal farmworkers had a favorable attitude. This nding is lower than a study conducted in Timor Leste (83.3% in men and 88.6% in women) (32). This could be due to the difference in de ning the outcome variable.…”