Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes/perceptions and practices towards childhood tuberculosis in guardians of patients at the pediatric outpatient department and well child clinic, Sirindhorn hospital, Bangkok. This study was a cross-sectional analytic study. Data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires. Four hundred participants were consented to complete the questionnaires. The results indicated that 60% of respondents had poor level of knowledge, 31% had moderate knowledge and 13.2% had good knowledge. The majority of respondents (97.8%) would talk to doctor or other medical worker about the child's illness. There were around 25% thought that the cost of diagnosis and treatment of childhood TB was expensive. There were some stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors of the community members towards the childhood TB. 22.5% of respondents reported that most people would reject the child who has TB. 2.5% would not take the patient to their home even though they completed TB treatment. There was high proportion of the poor practice compared to moderate practice and good practice. TB knowledge score was positively and statistically significantly associated with TB preventive practice score (Spearman's rho=0.315, p<0.001). In multiple linear regression models, occupation (p<0.001), education level (β=0.62, p=0.001) and ever knowing a TB patient (β=1.31, p=0.004) were significantly associated with knowledge score. Only ever knowing a TB patient was significantly associated with TB preventive practice score (β=0.39, p=0.004). Conclusions: Guardian education is needed. This study proposed the appropriate recommendations to improve knowledge, attitude and practice on childhood tuberculosis. Educational programs should be organized for improving knowledge especially about mode of transmission, prevention, and case detection. Influence attitude and behavioral change, especially combat stigma and discrimination
