Background of the Study
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge worldwide, with Nigeria ranking among the top eight high-burden countries (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). The disease, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs and spreads through airborne transmission. Despite advancements in TB diagnosis and treatment, the disease continues to thrive in regions with poor healthcare infrastructure, low awareness levels, and socio-economic challenges (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control [NCDC], 2024).
Borno State, located in northeastern Nigeria, faces a unique set of challenges in TB control due to prolonged conflicts, displacement, and inadequate healthcare facilities. The region has experienced massive internal displacement due to insurgency, leading to overcrowded refugee camps with poor sanitation, malnutrition, and limited access to TB diagnostic and treatment services (Abubakar et al., 2023). Studies suggest that a significant portion of the population remains unaware of TB symptoms, transmission routes, and the availability of free treatment services (Aliyu & Garba, 2024). Additionally, stigma and misconceptions about TB hinder individuals from seeking medical attention, further exacerbating disease spread.
Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of residents regarding TB is essential for designing effective awareness and intervention programs. This study seeks to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among residents of Borno State concerning TB, identifying key gaps and recommending strategies to improve TB control efforts in the region.
Statement of the Problem
Despite Nigeria’s commitment to TB control through the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), TB remains endemic in Borno State, with a significant portion of cases going undiagnosed or untreated (NCDC, 2024). Limited awareness, cultural misconceptions, and poor healthcare accessibility contribute to the persistence of the disease. Research has shown that many residents attribute TB to supernatural causes rather than bacterial infection, leading to delays in seeking medical treatment (Usman et al., 2023). Moreover, stigma associated with TB results in social isolation and reluctance to disclose symptoms, further complicating case detection and treatment adherence.
The high burden of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State also poses a major challenge in TB control, as overcrowded settlements facilitate the rapid spread of infectious diseases, including TB (Mohammed & Ibrahim, 2023). However, there is limited empirical data assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practices of Borno residents toward TB. Without this information, intervention strategies may remain ineffective. This study, therefore, seeks to bridge this gap by examining KAP levels regarding TB in Borno State, providing evidence-based recommendations for improved public health strategies.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of knowledge about tuberculosis among residents of Borno State.
2. To examine attitudes toward tuberculosis and its treatment among the study population.
3. To evaluate tuberculosis-related practices and identify factors influencing healthcare-seeking behavior.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of knowledge regarding tuberculosis among residents of Borno State?
2. How do attitudes toward tuberculosis affect health-seeking behaviors?
3. What are the common tuberculosis-related practices among residents, and how do they impact disease control efforts?
Research Hypotheses
1. Residents of Borno State have limited knowledge about tuberculosis transmission and treatment.
2. Negative attitudes and misconceptions about tuberculosis hinder early diagnosis and treatment-seeking behavior.
3. Poor health practices contribute to the continued spread of tuberculosis in Borno State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on assessing KAP regarding TB among residents of Borno State, with data collection from both urban and rural populations. However, challenges such as security concerns, restricted access to certain areas due to insurgency, and potential biases in self-reported data may limit the study's scope.
Definitions of Terms
• Tuberculosis (TB) – An infectious bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) – A framework used to assess awareness, perceptions, and behaviors toward a specific health issue.
• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) – Individuals forced to leave their homes due to conflict or disasters but remain within their country’s borders.
• Stigma – Negative perceptions and discrimination associated with a particular disease, affecting health-seeking behaviors.
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