Level of knowledge about tuberculosis in a population sample in the city of Matehuala, San Luis Potosi

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the knowledge of tuberculosis in the population of the municipality of Matehuala, San Luis Potosí.

Methods: The study focused on collecting quantitative data on tuberculosis in adults (<18 years old). An instrument based on WHO guidelines was used. Ten questions about diagnosis, treatment, causative agent, and disease symptoms were asked. Data were collected in Google FORMS and analyzed with SPSS.

Results: Forty-six people were surveyed with a low knowledge of the disease. Thirty-five percent of the participants had never heard of tuberculosis. Some had incorrect ideas about the transmission of the disease: it is transmitted through mosquito bites (10.8%) or consumption of street food (19.5%). 65.2% correctly identified that bacteria cause TB. Approximately half of the respondents were unaware that people with malnutrition or HIV are at higher risk of contracting the disease. As for the symptoms of TB, 63% correctly identified them; many were unaware of the difficulty of diagnosing the disease in certain groups (e.g., children). Regarding treatment, the majority (93.4%) recognized that tuberculosis is treated with specific drugs; 23.9% mistakenly thought there was no cure.

Conclusion: The need to improve the dissemination of accurate information and educate the population about tuberculosis, symptoms, transmission methods, prevention, and treatment is highlighted. It is essential to increase public awareness and provide adequate education to implement effective strategies for controlling and preventing this disease.