A Holistic Approach: Investigating the Symbiosis of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Tuberculosis Patient Communities

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant global health threat, particularly for household contacts of TB patients who face heightened risks due to prolonged exposure. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and practices of these contacts is crucial for effective TB prevention and control strategies. Despite ample research on TB awareness in the general populace, limited attention has been given to household contacts who are pivotal in disease transmission. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involved 60 adult household contacts of TB patients. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of TB transmission, attitudes towards the disease and preventive practices, utilising both open-ended and multiple-choice questions. Results: The findings revealed that 60% of participants recognised TB as a preventable disease and 100% agreed it was curable. Concerning transmission, 85% identified airborne transmission, but many also believed in misconceptions such as TB spreading through handshakes or shared dishes. TB symptoms such as prolonged cough and chest pain were widely recognised. Despite 85% indicating a willingness to seek medical care if symptoms arose, only 15% had been screened for TB. Preventive practices showed gaps, with 90% having proper home ventilation, but 28.3% did not consistently practice adequate hygiene. In addition, 40% of participants were unaware of government financial assistance for TB treatment. Conclusions: The study identifies critical knowledge gaps, particularly regarding financial support and transmission misconceptions, which hinder effective TB prevention within households. The findings highlight the need for targeted educational efforts, increased screening access and clear communication about available financial support by potentially strengthening community interventions.