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Apr 19, 2023Article Details
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Main Article Content
Knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis in the urban slums of Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: There are over 300,000 missing tuberculosis (TB) cases in Nigeria and TB is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Awareness about the disease, symptoms, transmission as well as knowledge of where curative and treatment services can be accessed will help in public health control programs in slum communities. The study aimed to determine the level of awareness and knowledge of tuberculosis among urban slum dwellers in Lagos, Nigeria.
Method: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted across six urban slums in Nigeria as part of community outreach activities marking the World TB Day. A structured, pretested questionnaire was used to capture relevant information among adult participants seeking TB and other services. Domains identified were knowledge about TB symptoms, prevention, spread and Directly Observed Therapy Short course (DOTS) treatment.
Results: A total of 632 respondents participated in this study. Majority were 25-34 years (24.7%), males (65.8%), Christians (55.7%), married (73.7%), attained secondary education (37.8%), with 3-4 persons per household (41%) and 1-2 persons per room (44.5%). About two-third (59.7%) of the respondents have heard of TB, while 41% have heard about DOTS. Only 27.2% were aware of a TB treatment facility; 41.6% knew that TB treatment is free; 48.4% knew that TB is curable and only 31.5% knew who a presumptive TB patient is. Information about TB treatment was mostly provided by community health workers, 309 (48.9%) followed by radio (20.4%). The predictors of good knowledge of symptoms of TB were male sex, older age >45 years and having some education (compared to no education) while the predictors of correct knowledge of how TB is spread were smoking, high income and older age >45 years.
Conclusion: Knowledge of TB free treatment, curability and symptoms of TB and awareness of TB treatment facilities among Lagos slum residents is poor. Knowledge about “free treatment”, “TB treatment facilities” and “symptoms of TB” need to be emphasized during community education programs in slums. Policymakers need to prioritize social determinants of TB knowledge and services in slums.
