Exposure to Mass Media and Awareness and Correct Knowledge on Mode of Transmission of Tuberculosis in India

Abstract

WHO estimated that 10 million people fell sick with Tuberculosis (TB) globally in the year 2019 and most of them live in Asia, and India accounts for one-fourth of the TB deaths globally. This study uses data of 6,99,686 women aged 15-49 years and 1,12,122 men aged 15-54 years from the National Family Health Survey-4, (NFHS-4) 2015-16. Eighty per cent of respondents, irrespective of gender, had reported that they ever heard of tuberculosis. Seventeen per cent of women as well as men did not report the correct mode of transmission of TB. Women and men both show almost the same pattern of exposure to mass media and it has significant effect on TB awareness, knowledge and misconception on TB. Likelihood on awareness of TB and perception of TB cure is low among radio listeners. It is clear that audio visual media has more impact on awareness generation and reduces the misconception on TB transmission. Using of 360-degree approach with social behavioural change at the community may help to promote desired behaviour. Government needs to accelerate the TB programme from clinical approach to human centric behavioural approach to provide discrimination free environment to the TB survivors.