188 |
AU |
: |
Rajeswari R, Diwakara AM, Sudha Ganapathy, Sudarsanam
NM, Rajaram K &
Prabhakar R |
TI |
: |
Tuberculosis awareness among educated public in two
cities in Tamil Nadu |
SO |
: |
LUNG INDIA 1995, 13, 108-13. |
DT |
: |
Per |
AB |
: |
A questionnaire on source of information regarding
TB, signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment duration and
personal and community hygiene relating to TB, was administered
to 446 students and employees with an educational status of high
school certificate and above.
The main source of information were books and magazines
and 86% were aware that the TB germ was the causative agent. Symptoms
of TB such as cough (85%) and loss of weight (74%) were well known.
Other symptoms such as chest pain (29%), fever (27%) were less known.
Sputum examination as a diagnostic tool was known to 68% , while
80% knew about radiograph being used to diagnose the disease. Cough
as a method of spread was known to 91%. In this questionnaire the
duration of treatment was the least known fact. 28% felt that treatment
could be stopped if symptoms disappeared. 16% were aware that the
method of sputum disposal was by incineration. The implications
are discussed.
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KEY WORDS: SOCIAL AWARENESS; LITERATES; INDIA. |