Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem globally, and India has the largest number of TB patients throughout the world. Correct knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding tuberculosis in the community are essential for the effective functioning of control programs.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding tuberculosis among the rural population in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, as tuberculosis is more prevalent in rural areas.
Materials and Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in Chunampet, a rural area in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu in February 2013. All adult population (2013) aged older than 18 years who were permanent residents of the study area were included in the study. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used as a study tool. Data collection was done by house-to-house survey. Data analysis was done by using SPSS software, version 16.0. Informed oral consent was obtained from all the participants. Result: Knowledge regarding the cause and mode of transmission of TB was inadequate. Attitude regarding the diagnosis and treatment of TB was good. Practice regarding BCG vaccination was poor in the study population. Conclusion: Intervention measures in the form of IEC activities should be carried out in rural areas to increase the aware- ness regarding tuberculosis.