Health Care Workers Knowledge and Attitude on Tuberculosis Infection Control \ Mosul-Iraq

Abstract

BACKGROUND: M. tuberculosis infection has a considerable global impact. The World Health Organization estimated in 2021 that more than two billion individuals, nearly one-third of the worldwide population were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB remains a leading cause of mortality in the world according to the WHO. The aim of the current study was to assess the knowledge and attitude between specialist and general practitioners who are working in the primary health care centers in Mosul City in Iraq.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed using a pretested self-administered questionnaire on a sample of 190 randomly selected doctors (specialists and general practitioners) from primary health care centers in Mosul. Descriptive analysis was used in data analysis.

RESULTS: The level of knowledge on TB infection control among almost half (45.8%) of the HCWs was good. The knowledge level was significantly associated with educational status, and TB training and/or orientation received. The majority (73.2%) of HCWs had positive attitude towards TB infection control.

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of participants had good knowledge about disease signs and symptoms, GP and specialists had significant differences in their knowledge about the necessity of sputum tests in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Majority of participants exhibited a positive attitude towards TB patients.