Tuberculosis knowledge gaps and associated factors among suspects of tuberculosis in a peripheral emerging region of northwest Ethiopia: a case of Benishangul Gumuz

Good Knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) is a key element to have a favourable attitude and practice in the control of TB. However, in the resources limited peripheral emerging region of Ethiopia, there is a limited knowledge about it. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge about TB symptoms, transmission, and prevention methods and identify the associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia. MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 391 TB suspects in two hospitals and seven health centres in the Benishangul Gumuz region. Composite scales were generated for knowledge about TB symptoms, route of transmission, and prevention methods. Data were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify associated factors. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsFrom a total of 391 approached TB suspects, 383 (98%) participated in the study with the mean age of 33.34 {+/-}14.10 years ranging from 11-89 years. There was very poor knowledge about TB symptoms (12%) but fair knowledge about TB transmission (61.6%), and prevention (57.4%). The previous history of treatment was significantly associated with the participants overall poor knowledge about TB symptoms (AOR 2.787, 95% CI=1.148-6.765), route of transmission (AOR=4.03, 95% CI=1.82-8.92), and prevention methods (AOR=4.89, 95% CI=2.18-10.99). Also, being illiterate was associated with poor knowledge about the route of TB transmission (AOR 11.39, 95% CI 2.15 - 60.33) prevention methods (AOR 13.28, 95% CI 2.69-65.73). ConclusionThere was little knowledge about TB symptoms while fair knowledge about the mode of transmission and means of prevention in the Benishangul Gumuz region. Health education intervention particularly targeting TB symptoms, transmission, and prevention methods should be initiated through easily accessible media supported by effective strategies.