Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Prevalence and Awareness in Ward No.8 and 9 of Janakpur, Dhanusha

Abstract

Tuberculosis remains a major global public health problemparticularly in developing and underdeveloped countries. In case of Nepalalso, it is one of the major health problems. A study was conducted in 250peoples of ward 8 and 9 of Janakpur Municipality. Study work wascarried out in Janakpur Municipality of Dhanusha district during May andJune 2006. A total of 250 sputum samples were randomly collected bydirect home visit from suspected persons and the samples were examinedby Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining method. Out of 250 samples, a total of 9(3.6%) AFB positive cases were detected. Out of total AFB positive cases66.66% were males and 33.33% females but the sex wise difference inthe prevalence of tuberculosis was not found to be statistically significant.High incidence of disease prevailed among productive age group (20-40years) but difference with their age-group was not found to be statisticallysignificant. In the study area, 84% respondents knew about TB disease.Smoking is the predisposing factor of tuberculosis where 56%respondents were current smokers and smoked between 10 to 20cigarettes/day.