Abstract:

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to generate valuable evidence to improve tuberculosis infection control (TBIC) in primary health care institutions by assessing the level of TBIC knowledge and identifying its associated factors among doctors working in primary medical institutions in Zhongmu County, Henan Province. Methods: A questionnaire survey and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) were administered to all doctors in primary medical institutions in Zhongmu who met the inclusion criteria. A self-designed questionnaire comprising ten questions was then utilized to assess their knowledge of TBIC measures, including patient management, disinfection and ventilation procedures, the use of personal protective equipment, and health education initiatives. A quantitative scoring system (10 points being the full score) was applied to analyze factors associated with TBIC knowledge, with a score of 8 considered indicative of satisfactory mastery. Results: A total of 494 doctors from primary medical institutions participated in the survey. The median (interquartile range) score for TBIC knowledge was 6 (5, 7). Only 2.23% (11/494) of the doctors answered all questions correctly, while 21.66% (107/494) achieved a score of 8 or higher. The level of TBIC knowledge among doctors was significantly associated with gender (OR=1.68, 95%CI=1.03-2.76) and the number of villagers served (OR=1.68, 95%CI=1.05-2.69). Conclusion: The study highlights the need for improvement in TBIC knowledge among doctors in primary medical institutions in Zhongmu. Efforts in dissemination, training, and assessment must be strengthened to enhance TBIC awareness, reduce occupational exposure risks, and ultimately decrease the transmission of tuberculosis within the community.

Key words: Tuberculosis, Infection control, Primary medical institution, Factor analysis, statistical