Disparities in Tuberculosis Literacy: Correlating Knowledge with Attitude in University and Community Settings in Kassala ,Sudan
1
KURA Research Center, University of Kassala, Kassala, Sudan
2
University of Kassala, Kassala, Sudan
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) remains a formidable public health challenge in Sudan, with high morbidity rates persisting in specific regions. Kassala Locality, in particular, faces a significant burden of the disease, driven by socio-economic factors and regional dynamics. Despite national control efforts, gaps in public awareness and health-seeking behavior continue to hinder effective TB management.
METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 participants, including university students and community members. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. The Chi-square test was employed to assess associations between occupation and knowledge levels, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitude scores. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.
RESULTS:
The analysis revealed a significant disparity in knowledge between the two groups. University students were significantly more likely to identify the correct cause of TB compared to community members (p < .001). Specifically, 88.2% of students identified the bacterial cause compared to 64.5% of community members. A significant positive correlation was found between overall knowledge levels and positive attitudes toward TB patients (r = 0.41, p < .001), indicating that higher knowledge is directly associated with reduced stigma.
CONCLUSIONS:
While university students possess a higher baseline of knowledge, the general community in Kassala demonstrates significant gaps regarding the cause and transmission of TB. Since low knowledge is statistically linked to negative attitudes, community-based health education is urgently needed to reduce stigma and improve health-seeking behavior.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) remains a formidable public health challenge in Sudan, with high morbidity rates persisting in specific regions. Kassala Locality, in particular, faces a significant burden of the disease, driven by socio-economic factors and regional dynamics. Despite national control efforts, gaps in public awareness and health-seeking behavior continue to hinder effective TB management.
METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 participants, including university students and community members. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. The Chi-square test was employed to assess associations between occupation and knowledge levels, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitude scores. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.
RESULTS:
The analysis revealed a significant disparity in knowledge between the two groups. University students were significantly more likely to identify the correct cause of TB compared to community members (p < .001). Specifically, 88.2% of students identified the bacterial cause compared to 64.5% of community members. A significant positive correlation was found between overall knowledge levels and positive attitudes toward TB patients (r = 0.41, p < .001), indicating that higher knowledge is directly associated with reduced stigma.
CONCLUSIONS:
While university students possess a higher baseline of knowledge, the general community in Kassala demonstrates significant gaps regarding the cause and transmission of TB. Since low knowledge is statistically linked to negative attitudes, community-based health education is urgently needed to reduce stigma and improve health-seeking behavior.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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