Impact of health education on the knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis among high school students

Abstract

Background.

Various misconceptions coupled with the lack of knowledge on tuberculosis are still on alarming levels. It's stigma and misinformation indeed contribute as a major barrier to TB diagnosis and treatment. Intervention through health education together with successful control programs will help improve both the public's awareness and recognition of the disease.

Objective.

To determine the effect of proper health education on the knowledge and awareness of pulmonary tuberculosis among high school students.

Materials and Methods.

A cross sectional study was conducted at a Philippine high school with a total population of 1906 students. A twenty minute lecture about TB epidemiology, signs and symptoms, cause, risk factors, transmission, diagnosis, prevention and treatment was given. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics followed by a pre and post test questionnaires divided into 5 TB knowledge domains.

Results.

Students placed physicians as the third most trusted source of TB information. The baseline TB knowledge of high school students was 65.22% and was increased to 86.83% after a health education intervention (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the baseline knowledge if compared to the year level, income bracket, and place of usual residence. Students with Tb history in the family has significantly higher baseline knowledge.

Conclusion. High school students' knowledge and awareness regarding cause, symptoms, transmission, and treatment of TB was significantly higher after a simple, 20-minute, educational intervention in the form of a lecture.