Knowledge about tuberculosis among tribal population in Kerala in the backdrop of TB elimination goal by 2025

Introduction Kerala is one among the States in India with least prevalence of tuberculosis and is reportedly aiming to be the first State to reach the target of 'Zero TB' by 2025. But knowledge about TB among the vulnerable groups plays a critical role in controlling the spread and achieving the target of eliminating TB. Materials and methods Drawing on a collaborative research program in India to estimate the burden of TB among tribal population, the level of knowledge and its possible links between life style of tribals, their customs and practices is examined Multi stage cluster sampling technique was adopted and 3 wards were selected in three districts in Kerala: Wayanad, Idukki and Palakkad which encompasses major share of the tribal population by probability proportional to size sampling method to draw a sample of 2600 individuals. Results Awareness about TB among Tribal population in Kerala is impressive. However, in-depth knowledge on how TB is caused and spread, the symptoms, place of treatment and the cost are not so appreciable. Misconceptions and also lack of knowledge still prevail on who is prone to TB, how TB is spread and the causative agent. The IEC activities have had its effect in sensitizing the tribal population on how to identify the symptoms of TB. The average knowledge score was 5.06 points (72.2 percent, SD: 1.81) out of a total possible score of 7 points. The individual mean knowledge score is 0.65 overall considering all the knowledge domains where the maximum value is 1 and minimum is 0. The mean knowledge score among the Malayarayan Christians and Hindus is relatively higher but poor among Kattunayaka and Irular tribes. Mean knowledge score decreases significantly with increasing age. Gender differential in mean knowledge score is absent but greater educational attainment is associated with higher knowledge scores. However knowledge is not translated to practice of all preventive aspects of TB. Conclusion Knowledge deficit poses challenges in the efforts to eliminate TB in Kerala because the State is progressing towards zero TB target. Hence spreading awareness on these vital aspects need better focus among the tribal population.