Evaluation of Students’ Knowledge at Al-Samawah Technical Institute about Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a disease known since ancient times and has not yet been completely eradicated. It still poses a threat to human health. Tuberculosis infection is a bacterial condition that involves an interaction between tuberculosis bacteria and the body’s physical and psychological defenses. This study aims to shed light on the level of knowledge and awareness among university youth specifically students of the Medical Laboratory Techniques Department at Al-Samawah Technical Institute about pulmonary tuberculosis. The fieldwork began on March 13, 2025, at the institute with the participation of 95 students. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected using a specially designed questionnaire, which was distributed both electronically and in print. The questionnaire included four main sections: general demographic information, general knowledge about pulmonary tuberculosis, attitudes and perceptions, and awareness sources. The results showed a good basic knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis among the students. Schools and universities ranked highest as a source of information (33.7%), highlighting the pivotal role of academic institutions in shaping students’ health knowledge. Social media and the internet followed closely (32.6%), indicating their strong influence on health awareness—either positively or negatively, depending on the content. The findings also revealed mixed social attitudes toward tuberculosis patients. While many participants believed that these patients suffer from stigma, over half (60%) said they would avoid contact with them. The results also showed a strong willingness among students to receive further education and awareness. This represents a valuable opportunity to implement effective educational strategies. The study recommends integrating public health and infectious disease concepts into academic curricula across all fields—not just health sciences—and launching awareness campaigns in cooperation with local health departments. It also suggests involving health students in community outreach programs.