Table 2.
Correct knowledge of TB prevention and infection control
| Correct responses to knowledge statements | n (%) |
|---|---|
| TB symptoms | |
| Prolonged cough is a symptom of TB (True) | 218 (92.4) |
| Unintentional weight loss is a symptom of TB (True) | 202 (85.6) |
| Fever every day for more than 1 week is a symptom of TB (True) | 189 (50.1) |
| Night sweats are a symptom of TB (True) | 231 (97.9) |
| TB transmission | |
| TB patients with negative sputum smears can be considered infectious (False) | 53 (22.5) |
| TB can be spread through blood (False) | 210 (89.0) |
| Patients with TB commonly infect others by talking or singing (False) | 112 (47.5 %) |
| Personal protective equipment | |
| N95 respirators work just as well when wet or visibly dirty (False) | 189 (80.1) |
| Wearing a surgical mask can help healthcare workers protect themselves from TB (False) | 58 (24.6) |
| An N95 respirator provides an airtight seal on the face that the user does not need to check (False) | 119 (50.4) |
| Cough etiquette | |
| Patients who are coughing should be given tissues or surgical masks to cover their mouths until TB has been excluded (True) | 210 (89.0) |
| If coughing/sneezing patients or suspects are using tissues or surgical masks, there no need for staff to wear N95 respirators (False) | 195 (82.6) |
| Before a TB suspect has a confirmed diagnosis, having him wear a surgical mask is unnecessary (False) | 168 (71.2) |
| Ventilation | |
| Mechanical ventilation (like extractor fans) is always more effective than natural ventilation (open windows) for preventing TB (False) | 155 (65.7) |
| Open windows can help prevent the spread of TB (True) | 230 (97.5) |
| If a fan is used in a room, opening windows will not provide additional infection control (False) | 191 (80.9) |
| Separation of coughing patients | |
| When entering the clinic, every patient should be asked if they are coughing (True) | 218 (92.4) |
| Keeping coughing and non-coughing patients apart in the clinic will help to stop TB from spreading (True) | 186 (78.8) |
| TB suspects in the waiting area should not wait just as long as everyone else, and should not be rushed through the queue (False) | 200 (84.7) |
| TB/HIV | |
| An HIV positive staff member cancan get sick with TB if they practice TB prevention strategies (False) | 49 (20.8) |
| HIV positive staff who are healthy and on ARVs should still try to avoid working in high risk areas (True) | 158 (66.9) |
| An HIV positive person is more likely than an HIV negative person to become sick with TB if exposed to TB (True) | 218 (92.4) |