Assessment of Tuberculosis Related Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Among Final Year Medical Students in Karachi

Objective: To assess tuberculosis related knowledge, attitude and practice among final year medical students of Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two medical colleges located in different districts of Karachi from January 2017 to June 2017. Being a final year medical student of the college was the inclusion criterion whereas refusal to give written informed consent was the exclusion criterion of the study. Data were collected on a structured questionnaire administered by the principal investigator to all the participants. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 20. Results: Around two-thirds students knew that tuberculosis cannot be treated only on radiographic findings while a majority of them knew about the treatment regimens but knowledge about the different TB medicines and their side effects was variable. About 90% of the students believed that directly observed treatment short course therapy is effective while a similar number believed Bacille Calmette Guerin vaccination prevents tuberculosis. A fair number of students (63.1%) practice wearing of face mask while a majority (89.3%) of them reported that contagious patients should be isolated. Over 95% of the students stated that they give tuberculosis patients counseling and health education. Conclusion: Majority of students had correct knowledge, attitude and practices regarding tuberculosis. Increased exposure and education to medical students in both academic and clinical settings is recommended.