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.