Original Research

Knowledge and practices about multidrug-resistant tuberculosis amongst healthcare workers in Maseru

Ntambwe Malangu, Omotayo D. Adebanjo
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine | Vol 7, No 1 | a774 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v7i1.774 | © 2015 Ntambwe Malangu, Omotayo D. Adebanjo | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 26 September 2014 | Published: 27 March 2015

About the author(s)

Ntambwe Malangu, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus, South Africa
Omotayo D. Adebanjo, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus

Abstract

Background: To date, no study has been found that described the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers surrounding multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Lesotho.

Aim and setting: This study was conducted to fill this gap by investigating the knowledge level and practices surrounding MDR-TB amongst healthcare workers at Botsabelo Hospital in Maseru, Lesotho.

Method: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted by means of a questionnaire designed specifically for this study. Data collected included sociodemographic and professional details; and responses to questions about knowledge and practices regarding MDR-TB. The questions ranged from the definition of MDR-TB to its treatment. Respondents’ practices such as the use of masks, guidelines and patient education were also assessed.

Results: A response rate of 84.6%(110 out of 130) was achieved. The majority of participants were women (60%), married (71.8%) and nursing staff (74.5%). Overall, less than half (47.3%) of the participants had a good level of knowledge about MDR-TB. With regard to practice, about 83%of participants stated that they used protective masks whilst attending to MDR-TB patients. About two-thirds (66.4%) reported being personally involved in educating patients about MDR-TB; whilst about 55%stated that they referred to these guidelines.

Conclusion: The level of knowledge about MDR-TB amongst healthcare workers at the study site was not at an acceptable level. Unsafe practices, such as not wearing protective masks and not referring to the MDR-TB treatment guidelines, were found to be associated with an insufficient level of knowledge about MDR-TB. An educational intervention is recommended for all healthcare providers at this facility.


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Crossref Citations

1. Knowledge and practice of health workers about control and prevention of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in referral hospitals, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Kefyalew Addis Alene, Akilew Awoke Adane, Sisay Yifiru, Bikes Destaw Bitew, Aynishet Adane, Digsu Negese Koye
BMJ Open  vol: 9  issue: 2  first page: e022948  year: 2019  
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022948