INSIGHTS INTO TUBERCULOSIS IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN: EVALUATING PREVALENCE, AWARENESS, AND PUBLIC ATTITUDES

Ayesha Amir Basra, Syed Shayan Gilani, Muhammad Shahmeer Fida Rana, Muhammad Nouman Tariq, Manahil Fakhar Khan1, Muhammad Saim Maqsood, Nouman Ahmad Aulakh, Mishail Fatima,
Abdul Hadi Khalid, Wasifa Rafiq Bhatti, Zahra Zahid Piracha*, and Umar Saeed

ABSTRACT

Objective: This mixed-method, cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and attitudes toward the spread and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) in the Lahore district of Pakistan. Design: A mixed-method approach was employed, incorporating quantitative data analysis from surveys of 500 residents and thematic analysis of 500 interviews involving TB patients, health workers, and authorities. Methodology: Conducted from April 6, 2022, to August 8, 2022, in three towns of the Lahore district, this analytical cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling. A self-structured pre-tested questionnaire facilitated data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with mean and standard deviation calculated for quantitative variables. Qualitative variables were expressed through frequency and percentage. The Chi-Square test assessed associations between variables, considering a P value ≤ 0.05 as significant. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35 ± 13.23 years. Among the total respondents, 19 (3.8%) were identified TB cases, with 47.37%, 42.10%, and 10.53% in the age groups of 18–30, 30–50, and above 50 years, respectively. Approximately 43.8% were aware of all TB symptoms, and 61.4% recognized severe cough for two weeks as a potential TB symptom. About 220 respondents believed they could contract TB through close contact, while 111 knew someone with TB in their social circle. In the case of suspected TB infection, 93.2% would seek medical attention, 2% would consult a traditional healer (Hakeem), 1.6% would attempt home-based remedies, and 3.2% would ignore it. Respondents displayed varied attitudes toward TB patients, with 48.0% offering sympathies, 3% remaining neutral, 38.0% providing financial assistance, and 11.0% avoiding TB patients due to infection fears. Conclusion: Lack of awareness regarding TB symptoms in these areas is attributed to insufficient governmental focus and funding. Adequate funding and a sustained medication regimen are crucial to prevent the epidemic spread of TB.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Pakistan, Prevalence, Attitude, Awareness, DOT, Hussainabad, Khaliqabad, Nawazishabad, Lahore.