Association between Socioeconomic Factors and Knowledge of Tuberculosis in Kabwata and Misisi Townships of Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) in Zambia has continued to rise despite government efforts with a prevalence rate of 932/100,000 in Lusaka and 1,120/100,000 on the Copperbelt province according to the 2013-2014 National TB survey. TB is associated with people of low social economic status as they are prone to malnutrition, overcrowding due to poor housing and illiteracy. This research tries to identify the socio- economic factors that are associated with poor TB knowledge.
Method: A cross-sectional survey included participants aged 16years and older from Misisi a high-density, lowincome area and Kabwata a low-density middleincome area. The townships were selected by randomisation and data on TB knowledge was stratified by age, sex, educational level, occupation and monthly income. A TB knowledge score was constructed based on 11 questions, a score of 6 and above being significant knowledge.
Results: A total of 187 surveys were completed, 54% of respondents were female aged 20-40years (51%). The knowledge score was significantly low  in Females (5.2), low-income (less than k1000/month) score of 5.4 and unemployed (5.7) respondents of Misisi township. Almost all respondents had heard about TB and were aware that it is curable, with a higher knowledge score among respondents who had been treated for TB before in both  groups. The most common source of TB information was the clinic at 64.9% in Kabwata and friends 65.6% in Misisi.
Conclusion: Socio-economic factors are an important aspect of TB health campaigns and should be considered when designing TB information campaigns and public health interventions.