Knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis among medical and dental students in belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

Aim: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be an important health problem in Serbia, as a country with numerous socioeconomic problems. Health care workers, especially medical and dental students could be key persons to engage in prevention of TB. The aim of our study was to compare the knowledge level and awareness of TB among medical and dental students. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted at the School of Medicine and the School of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Serbia. A sample of 350 students was selected by stratified sampling.Data about knowledge and awareness of TB was collected through the anonymous (self-administered) questionnaire. Results: 300 questionnaires were returned; response rate was 85.7%. Medical students gave significantlyhigher correct responses about modes of transmission of TB (p<0.001). Significantly higher proportion of medical students (p=0.003) knew that age above 65 years is risk period of life for getting TB, but only 6.5% of them noted that the age of puberty is the risk period too. High proportion of both groups agreed that alcoholism and AIDS are the conditions, which can increase risk for getting TB. Medical students have better knowledge about therapy of TB, but there were no differences concerning questions about diagnosis. Conclusion: In spite of valid basic awareness of TB, there were some gaps in the knowledge, more frequently among dental then medical students. This study suggests that students need more training and more practice.