189 |
AU |
: |
Marinac JS, Willsie SK, McBride D & Hamburger SC |
TI |
: |
Knowledge of tuberculosis in high-risk populations:survey
of inner city minorities |
SO |
: |
INT J TB & LUNG DIS 1998, 2, 804-10. |
DT |
: |
Per |
AB |
: |
Educational programs targeted toward individuals
at risk for TB are needed. As an initial step in developing future
programs, the present study was designed to determine the baseline
knowledge about TB in at-risk individuals.
Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 505 minority
subjects in the Kansas City Metropolitan area; health care providers
were excluded. Thirty six queries directed toward self-perceived
and actual TB knowledge were asked. Data was tabulated and per cent
correct response was determined.
Completed surveys were available from 505 subjects:
342 females and 163 males. Most (97%) of the subjects were African
Americans, with 57% between the ages of 21-40. Over two-thirds were
high school graduates, and 77% reported an estimated total household
annual income of <$20000. Self-perceived knowledge about TB was
rated as 'little' or 'nothing' by 60% of respondents. The overall
correct response score was 61%, with 55% correct response to queries
related to etiology, 53% for identification of high-risk populations,
57% for possible routes of transmission, 89% for symptoms, and 49%
for treatment. Males, those with annual incomes >$20000, and
individuals 51-70 years old had the highest scores.
In this high-risk inner-city population surveyed,
knowledge deficits in the etiology, transmission, and treatment
of TB were identified.
|
KEY WORDS: SOCIAL AWARENESS; USA. |