Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions survey regarding tuberculosis in hospitalized patients

<b>Introduction:</b> Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem; Romania is among the first places in Europe regarding the incidence of TB. Even if it is a curable disease, <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> may have killed more patients than any other microbial pathogen. <b>Objective:</b> To assess the level of patient’s knowledge, attitude and perception about TB. <b>Method:</b> In a prospective survey, a standardized anonymous auto-questionnaire (19-questions) was filled by hospitalized patients, between January-February 2020, in two TB clinics of North-Eastern Romania. <b>Results:</b> Out of 74 newly diagnosed cases of pulmonary TB, 91% knew that TB is a treatable disease. Age was 49.2±14 (22-80) years, 82% were men. The majority (64%) check their health condition ‘when needed’, although living about 3km away from first healthcare point. Fear (34%) and denial (15%) were the reactions to the disclosure of the diagnosis. Smoking (58%), alcohol (41%), and infection (32%) were considered by respondents as the cause of this disease. Fifty-three percent of respondents answered disease may attack again and only 14% of them were aware that incomplete treatment will develop drug resistant tuberculosis. Seventy-two percent of patients perceive that they are discriminated in their community because of the disease. <b>Conclusions:</b> Knowledge among TB patients regarding the cause of TB and consequences of incomplete treatment is low, the attitude shows lack of interest in healthcare check, and the perception is as being stigmatized and needs educational interventions.