TY - JOUR AU - Mangesho, P E AU - Shayo, E H AU - Makunde, W H AU - Keto, G B AU - Mandara, C I AU - Kamugisha, M L AU - Kilale, A M AU - Ishengoma, D R PY - 2007/06/07 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Commnity knowledge, attitudes and practices towards tberculosis and its treatment inMpwapwa District, central Tanzania JF - Tanzania Journal of Health Research JA - Tanzania J Hlth Res VL - 9 IS - 1 SE - Articles DO - 10.4314/thrb.v9i1.14290 UR - https://www.ajol.info/index.php/thrb/article/view/14290 SP - 38-43 AB - <br><br>Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of adult mortality with 32% of the global population infectedwith <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>. The current control of TB depends mainly on case management using the Direct-ObservedTreatment, Short-course (DOTs) regimen. Despite the measures taken, the disease burden is still on increase especially inthe developing countries including Tanzania. Correct knowledge and positive perception of the community towards TBand its management is a prerequisite to early treatment seeking. This study was carried out in Mpwapwa district, centralTanzania, to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice as regards to TB and its treatment. Focus group discussionsinvolving men and women were conducted in six villages. Results show that TB was an important public health problem.However, community knowledge on its cause was poor. Symptoms of TB as mentioned by the community includedpersistent cough and weight loss. TB was reported to be transmitted mainly through air. Self medication was the first mostpreferred option, whereas health care facility consultation was the last one. Focus group discussants knew that TB curerequires a 8-month period of treatment. Friends and relatives were the main source of TB information in the community. Inconclusion, rural communities of Mpwapwa District have a low knowledge on the causes and the transmission of tuberculosiswhich is a likely cause of the delay in seeking treatment. An intensive appropriate community health education is requiredfor a positive behavioural change in tuberculosis control.<br><br> <i>Tanzania Health Research Bulletin</i> Vol. 9 (1) 2007: pp. 38-43 ER -