Role of mass media on knowledge generation and countering misconceptions about tuberculosis transmission in Nepal

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore the role of mass media on knowledge generation and counter the misconceptions about tuberculosis (TB) transmission in Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in the largest referral hospital in Nepal. The quota sampling technique was used to recruit 283 subjects into the sample.ResultsA total of 235 (83.0%) respondents correctly replied that TB transmits through air by coughing or sneezing. A total of 29 (10.2%) respondents had correct knowledge about TB transmission without having misconceptions. Similarly, regarding the misconceptions about TB transmission, 157 (55.5%) replied that TB transmits through utensils, 163 (57.6%) respondents replied that TB transmits through sharing clothes/bed sheets/towel, 62 (21.9%) respondents replied that TB transmits through touching a person with TB, 142 (50.2%) respondents replied that TB transmits through food, 88 (31.1%) respondents replied that TB transmits through sexual contact. Respondents who read newspaper (ajusted odd ratio=3.004, cofidence interval=1.208–7.471) and listen to the radio daily (ajusted odd ratio=4.610, cofidence interval=1.738–12.234) were more likely to have correct knowledge on transmission of TB.ConclusionsNational TB Control Program in Nepal should give priority in disseminating TB related message through newspapers, magazines and radio programs.