Knowledge and practices on tuberculosis infection control among nurses at a specialized hospital in Bangladesh

Tuberculosis (TB) is infectious disease which represents a major health problem among the health care professionals especially in nurses around the world. This study was aimed to determine the levels of TB-related knowledge and practices of nurses in Bangladesh, and their associated socio-demographic factors. A descriptive correlational study design was used. A total of 112 nurses were selected randomly from National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Mohakhali, Dhaka. Data were collected from January to February, 2020. A 20- item Knowledge on TB Questionnaire (KTBQ) was used to measure the nurse’s level of knowledge on TB. A 17- item Practice on Tuberculosis Questionnaire (PTBQ) was used to assess the level of nurses’ practice on TB infection control. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used to describe the sample characteristics. Inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation test, one way of ANOVA, and t-test were used to examine the relationship between the variables. Data revealed that nurses had low level<strong> </strong>of knowledge (Mean=15.68 SD=2.26) and practice (Mean=47.91 SD=3.29) on TB infection control. There was statistically significant correlation between length of service and higher education level with practice on TB control.<strong> </strong>Nurses obtained low level of knowledge and practice on TB infection control. Higher education and more experienced nurses are required in practicing TB infection control.