Assessing public understanding and implementation of tuberculosis preventive measures at Burao General Hospital, Somaliland

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Like the common cold, it spreads through the air. People who are ill with pulmonary TB (TB of the lungs, the site most commonly affected) are often infectious and can spread the disease by coughing, sneezing or simply talking, as these acts propel TB bacteria into the air. Another person breathing in the bacteria may become infected with TB but will not necessarily become sick with the disease. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and prevention of Tuberculosis among adult people visiting in Burao General Hospital. Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted at Burao General Hospital. A total of 150 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. An interview questionnaire was the research instrument; Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science SPSS version 23. The overall knowledge of TB among the respondents was 71.33% good and 28.67% poor. The overall attitude of TB was 62.67% positive attitude and negative attitude 37.33%. The overall prevention of TB among the respondents was good 57.33% and poor 42.67%. In conclusion health care providers were found to play a crucial role in educating the public, but limited resources and misinformation hindered effective prevention. The study also recommends strengthening public health education campaign, increasing community engagement, and improving hospital-based interventions to enhance TB prevention efforts. Enhanced collaboration between health authorities and local communities is essential for sustainable TB control in Burao.