Abstract:
The aims of this study were to assess knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior of pulmonary tuberculosis among Myanmar refugees. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2013 at Ban Mai Nai Soi temporary shelter, Mae Hong Son, Thailand. Data collected from structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview were analyzed using SPSS software (version 17). Chi-square test was used for analysis of variables relationship and considered statistically significant at p-value less than 0.05. Based on 70% cutoff point from total expected score, knowledge score was categorized into low level/need an improvement and high level of knowledge. Attitude and preventive behavior scores were categorized into low level, moderate level and high level base on the range of score. This survey involved 438 male and female Myanmar refugees age 18 years old and above in Ban Mai Nai Soi temporary shelter, Mae Hong Son province, Thailand. The study found out that mean of knowledge score was 17.7 + 4.9 (out of 32) and 69.9% of the participants referred to low level of knowledge. Mean score of attitude was 51.6+ 8.1 (out of 69) and 47.9% of respondents were categorized as a high level of attitude and 40.4% respondents were categorized as moderate level of attitude. It was found that 11.6% of respondents were accounted for low level of attitude on pulmonary tuberculosis. Regarding preventive behavior, it was found that mean score was 28.3 + 5.3 (out of 36) and 55.5% had high level, 32.0% had moderate level and 12.6% had low level of preventive behavior respectively. The results upon Chi-square test revealed significant negative relationships between knowledge and attitude level (p<0.001), knowledge level and preventive behavior level (p<0.001). There was a positive relationship between attitude level and preventive behavior level (p<0.001). Additionally, there were positive relationships of preventive behavior level and four aspects of perceptions which concerned perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefit of prevention practice and perceived barrier, and preventive behavior level with statistically significant (p<0.001).
This study highlighted the gap of knowledge among the respondents which it needs for IEC programs (information, education and communication) on pulmonary tuberculosis among this population. Therefore, all evidences from this study should be taken to develop educational programs together with BCC strategy (behavior change communication) to remove the gap and create sustainable awareness and behavior regarding pulmonary tuberculosis.
