A Pilot Project for Tuberculosis Education in College Students

Background: San Diego’s Tuberculosis (TB) incidence is more than double the national rate. The majority of cases of active TB are due to the progression of latent TB infection (LTBI). Objectives: This evidence-based practice (EBP) project aimed to increase knowledge, awareness, and improve attitudes and practices regarding TB among college students. Participants: Twenty Community College Students in San Diego participated in the project. Methods: Students attended an in-person educational session. A pre-post knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaire measured the impact. Results: The intervention improved knowledge and attitudes. The average post-intervention TB knowledge score was 95.8% compared to 57% pre-intervention. Post-intervention, 90% of students felt that TB was a serious problem in San Diego compared to 38% pre-intervention. Conclusions: TB educational interventions within community colleges in San Diego have the potential to contribute to decreasing TB rates within the San Diego County community.