[Knowledge and perception about tuberculosis in Habana Vieja municipality].

Abstract

Introduction: the studies on population's knowledge and perceptions of infectious diseases contribute to develop more effective communication processes.

Objective: to evaluate the knowledge and the perception of the residents in Habana Vieja municipality about tuberculosis, and to identify the ways for obtaining information about aspects of this disease.

Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out. A questionnaire was applied on a sample of 86 persons from five health areas of the municipality. A descriptive analysis was made. Odds ratios were calculated to determine association between ways for obtaining information and knowledge on the existence of the disease, symptoms and transmission forms.

Results: the respondents know about tuberculosis as a disease, its symptoms, and its presence in Cuba, but the percentages corresponding to the truly significant symptoms are low, including incorrect identifications of towel, comb and mosquitoes as transmission ways of the disease. Television, radio and friends were the most mentioned sources of information.

Conclusions: the population from Habana Vieja municipality knows about the existence of TB. However, specific knowledge about symptoms of the disease and ways of transmissions are insufficient. Changing this situation requires the strengthening of the role of the mass media role and the development of local communication strategies suited to local characteristics.