Progress In Knowledge Of Microscopic Tuberculosis Diagnosis Laboratory Training Participants

Abstract

Indonesia is the second highest tuberculosis (TB)-burden country in the world. TB affects men and women in productive ages. Early and accurate diagnosis of TB is crucial in TB management because it allows prompt treatment with appropriate regimen. Sputum smear microscopy is the most common method used in resource-limited laboratories. The aim of this study is to assess whether adult learning method with student-centered approach can improve knowledge in laboratory techniques in microscopic TB diagnosis. It was a quasi experimental research with one group pretest and posttest design. Pretest was conducted before the training started. During the training, participants attended lectures, discussion sessions, and hands-on laboratory activities. After training, participants were asked to respond to posttest. There were 33 participants of this training (n=33). Paired t-test analysis showed significant difference between pretest and posttest scores (p=6.5x10-9). Variance between pretest scores was 4.00 and variance between posttest scores were 1.34. Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.45. Regardless their level of knowledge before training, participants could achieve relatively equivalent results after training. Significant difference between pre- and post-training test scores indicated that the learning method was effective and the training could improve participants knowledge in laboratory techniques in microscopic TB diagnosis.