ASSESS KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE AMONG JUNIOR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES REGARDING REVISED NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAMME – DIRECTLY OBSERVED TREATMENT SHORT COURSE IN SELECTED PRIMARY HEALTH CENTERS OF KOLLAM, KERALA

*Thressiamma M. L., Sr. Sheila, Sr. Gertrude Koikkaramparambil and Sr. Doris

ABSTRACT

Among all infectious diseases Tuberculosis is one of the six killer diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is one of the most common infectious disease and a serious public health problem in the World. The disease primarily affects lungs and causes pulmonary tuberculosis. It can also affect intestine, menninges, bones and joints, lymph glands, skin and other tissues of the body. The study was to assess the knowledge and attitude among JPHNs regarding RNTCP-DOTS programme by using structured questionnaire and modified attitude scale. Non experimental research approach with descriptive study design was used and sample was selected by multistage sampling technique. The result showed that majority (74%) of the sample had average knowledge, 15% had good knowledge and 11% had poor knowledge among JPHNs regarding RNTCP-DOTS programme. This study estimated that there was significant association between knowledge and years of experience among JPHNs regarding RNTCP-DOTS programme. In the level of attitude there was significant association between attitude and marital status of the JPHNs regarding RNTCP-DOTS programme. The study concluded that, improved knowledge leads to better performance of the JPHNs in the treatment of tuberculosis. As the level of educational qualifications and the length of services were increasing, the knowledge and attitude of JPHNs were also increasing regarding the RNTCP DOTS programme.

Keywords: The disease primarily affects lungs and causes pulmonary tuberculosis.