Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Childhood Tuberculosis in Guardians of Patients Visiting the Pediatric out-Patient Department, Sirindhorn Hospital, Bangkok

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices towards childhood tuberculosis in guardians of patients at the pediatric out-patient department, Sirindhom hospital, Bangkok. This study was a cross-sectional analytic study. Data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires. Results of 400 respondents, 60% of respondents had poor level of knowledge, 31% had moderate knowledge and 13.2% had good knowledge. Ninety-seven point eight percent of respondents would talk to doctor or other medical worker about the child illness. There were around 25% thought that the cost of diagnosis and treatment of childhood TB was expensive. There were some stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors of the community members towards the childhood TB, 22.5% of respondents reported that most people reject the child who has TB. There was high proportion of the poor practice compare to moderate practice and good practice. Occupation @ <0.001), education level (P = 0.62, p = 0.001) and ever knew TB patient (P = 1.31, p = 0.004) were statistical siwicant to knowledge score. Only ever knowing people who had TB was sigruGcantly associated with childhood tuberculosis practice (P = 0.39, p = 0.004). Knowledge score was positively and sigdicantly correlated with practice score (spearman’s rho coefficient = 0.315, p < 0.001). Guardian education is needed. The local and state authorities should organize health education program to the communities especially at guardians or caregiver group, and increasing collab oration with relevant community members to develop social mobilization and sensitization in disseminating childhood TB mformation.