Student Readiness for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Control: Knowledge Gaps and Preventive Behavior Patterns
1
KURA Research Center, University of Kassala, Kassala, Sudan
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge. University students constitute a high-priority population for TB prevention due to dense social interactions and potential influence on community health awareness.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding pulmonary TB among undergraduate students at Kassala University, compare medical and non-medical students, and examine associations with exposure to health education.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among Undergraduate Students from medical and non-medical colleges using convenience sampling. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, TB knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices. Statistical analyses compared KAP scores between groups and evaluated associations with educational level and exposure to TB health education.
RESULTS:
Among 393 undergraduate students mean Age : 24 years old and the mean knowledge score was 72.4%, with high awareness of TB. symptoms (90.8%) and transmission (87.8%), but limited knowledge of treatment duration (34.1%) and BCG vaccination (26.5%). Medical students scored significantly higher than non-medical students (78.3% vs. 54.5%). Attitude and preventive practice scores were 75.7% and 76.5%, respectively. BCG vaccination coverage was low (23.4%), and only 35.1% reported prior TB health education. Knowledge was significantly associated with college type, educational level, and exposure to TB education (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Although attitudes and preventive practices were generally positive, substantial knowledge gaps persist, particularly among non-medical students. Structured TB education programs and improved vaccination awareness are essential to enhance early detection and effective community-level TB control.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health challenge. University students constitute a high-priority population for TB prevention due to dense social interactions and potential influence on community health awareness.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding pulmonary TB among undergraduate students at Kassala University, compare medical and non-medical students, and examine associations with exposure to health education.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among Undergraduate Students from medical and non-medical colleges using convenience sampling. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, TB knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices. Statistical analyses compared KAP scores between groups and evaluated associations with educational level and exposure to TB health education.
RESULTS:
Among 393 undergraduate students mean Age : 24 years old and the mean knowledge score was 72.4%, with high awareness of TB. symptoms (90.8%) and transmission (87.8%), but limited knowledge of treatment duration (34.1%) and BCG vaccination (26.5%). Medical students scored significantly higher than non-medical students (78.3% vs. 54.5%). Attitude and preventive practice scores were 75.7% and 76.5%, respectively. BCG vaccination coverage was low (23.4%), and only 35.1% reported prior TB health education. Knowledge was significantly associated with college type, educational level, and exposure to TB education (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Although attitudes and preventive practices were generally positive, substantial knowledge gaps persist, particularly among non-medical students. Structured TB education programs and improved vaccination awareness are essential to enhance early detection and effective community-level TB control.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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