Influence of Awareness Programme on Tuberculosis in College Students in Chennai.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem. Creating awareness of TB among young individuals will help in achieving STOP TB strategy. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the awareness program on TB among Arts and Science college students in Chennai. Methods: This was a cross sectional study. Permission was obtained from Principals of two Arts and Science Colleges in Chennai for conducting the program. Students were given a pair of questionnaire (A&B), serially numbered. Questionnaire included demographics and basic knowledge on TB, modes of spread and cough hygiene. Questionnaire A was filled before the program and Questionnaire B at the end. Statistical analysis was done using Mc Nemer’s Chi-square test. Results: Of 501 students participated, their age ranged from 16-37yrs (mean=20yrs, SD 3.4). Seventy two percent were females and 75% were Hindus. Most (85%) were aware that TB commonly affected the lungs. 61% opined that TB was curable and this rose significantly to 84% (p=0.000) after the program. The awareness on TB treatment increased significantly (p=0.000) in post awareness response. Most of the students knew that coughing, sneezing and spitting spreads TB but only 20-30% knew that talking and singing could spread TB. Only 20% of the students were aware of cough hygiene. Conclusions: There was a significant increase in the knowledge on TB among the students after the awareness program. Educating them will help in creating awareness of TB and spread knowledge among their families, friends and community.