Knowledge of tuberculosis and factors responsible for low case detection in the Amansie Central District, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) case detection rate has remained consistently low in the Amansie Central District despite the implementation of the National TB Programme (NTP).

Objective: To assess the factors influencing this low case detection of TB.

Method: Information was collected from 120 individuals and 40 health workers were randomly selected from four health facilities that provided TB treatment.

Results: All patients had a good knowledge of TB. There was no statistical association between patients knowledge and educational level (p>0.05). However, knowledge on the causes of TB was strongly associated with occupation (p<0.05). 53% of patients indicated health facilities as the first place of visit when sick and how they are received was dependent on education (p=0.005) and marital status(p<0.05); 60% of health workers were not trained on the NTP despite 93% being aware of the programme, and 62.5% reported not initiating contact tracing after disease confirmation. Only 34 of the 120 patients reported health workers visiting them regarding TB.

Conclusion: Development of interventions such as HCW training on TB treatment and care, and establishing referral networks that bring TB information and services closer to community members can contribute to improved TB case notification.

Keywords: tuberculosis case detection, knowledge of tuberculosis, health-seeking behaviour, Health worker attitude, Ghana