Title : Knowledge, attitude, and practices pertaining to latent tuberculosis among household contacts of patients diagnosed with bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis in the Seven Districts of Iloilo City
Abstract:
Background. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) reflects a sustained immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis without active disease. Despite global progress toward the WHO “End TB Strategy,” household contacts of TB patients remain at high risk of infection. Gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) continue to limit early prevention and adherence to LTBI management, particularly in high-burden urban settings.
Objective: Assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices pertaining to latent TB among household contacts of patients diagnosed with bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis in the seven districts of Iloilo City.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from September to October 2025 among 278 household contacts selected through simple random sampling. Data was gathered using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The Kruskal–Wallis test determined differences in KAP across sociodemographic groups, while Spearman’s rank correlation and logistic regression identified associations and predictors. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.
Results: A total of 278 respondents (male 129 & female 149) were included in the study. Respondents demonstrated low knowledge (mean = 3.6/10), fair attitudes (mean = 32.7/50), and fair practices (mean = 35.4/50) toward LTBI. Educational attainment, district of residence, and proximity to health facilities were significant factors influencing KAP levels. Spearman’s correlation showed moderate positive relationships between knowledge–practice (r = 0.30) and attitude–practice (r = 0.36), and a weak positive link between knowledge–attitude (r = 0.27). Logistic regression identified education and accessibility as significant predictors of higher KAP scores.
Conclusion: Household contacts in Iloilo City exhibited limited understanding of LTBI but showed fair preventive behaviors. Knowledge alone did not translate into consistent practice, suggesting the influence of access and structural factors. Strengthening community-based education and equitable health service delivery may enhance LTBI prevention and align local efforts with the WHO’s “End TB Strategy.”
Keywords: Latent tuberculosis infection, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Household Contacts
