Title : Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding latent tuberculosis among household contacts of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the seven districts of Iloilo City, Philippines
Abstract:
Background: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a silent immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis without clinical symptoms but with potential for reactivation. Despite progress toward the WHO End TB Strategy, household contacts of tuberculosis (TB) patients remain highly susceptible. In Iloilo City, persistent gaps in knowledge and preventive practices continue to hinder effective LTBI control and early intervention.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on LTBI among household contacts of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients across the seven districts of Iloilo City.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional analytical study included 278 randomly selected household contacts. Data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman’s rank correlation, and logistic regression at a 0.05 significance level.
Results: Respondents had low knowledge (mean = 3.6/10), fair attitudes (32.7/50), and fair practices (35.4/50). Education, district of residence, and access to health facilities significantly affected KAP levels. Moderate positive correlations were found between knowledge–practice (r = 0.30) and attitude–practice (r = 0.36), while knowledge attitude showed a weak association (r = 0.27).
Conclusion: Household contacts displayed willingness but limited understanding of LTBI. Improving education, communication, and healthcare accessibility is essential to strengthen LTBI prevention and advance the WHO’s End TB goals.
