Awareness on Tuberculosis and Factors Determining it among Migrant Brick Kiln Workers in a Rural Area in South India

Abstract

Background: Awareness of the subjects on Tuberculosis is an important factor in early reporting by

symptomatics as well as early case finding by the program.

Aim: The current study was done to find out the awareness of migrant brick kiln workers, a key population

as per RNTCP, on various parameters of Tuberculosis.

Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted among all migrant brick kiln workers working in the

brick kilns in the field practice area of the Rural Health Centre of a medical college hospital. A pretested

structured questionnaire was used for the interview. SPSS version 16.0 was used for analysis.

Results: Among 580 brick kiln workers, the mean age was 36.47. The awareness on TB was as follows –

germs as cause -8.3%, cough and sputum as main symptoms – 21%, that TB spreads – 28%, availability of

free treatment for TB – 19% and TB is preventable – 16%. Their educational status was directly associated

with their knowledge. (p<0.05)

Conclusion: The awareness on TB is very low among this population. Targeted health education will have

a positive impact on the migrants’ health as well as overall public health by reducing transmission.