Outcome of sensitization programme on Latent Tuberculosis Infection screening tests among interns – A Questionnaire‑based study

Abstract

Background: Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) is a state of persistent immune response to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens with no clinical evidence of active TB. On an average, 5%–10% of the infected population will develop tuberculosis (TB) disease within the first 2 years.  Timely and early detection and prophylactic treatment of people with LTBI are important for controlling TB Disease. Hence it is prudent to have adequate knowledge about the screening tests for diagnosis of LTBI.

Methods: A total of 89 interns were administered a predesigned questionnaire before the sensitisation programme regarding knowledge, procedure and interpretation of screening tests for LTBI (tuberculin skin test [TST] and interferon-gamma release assay [IGRA]). The same questionnaire was repeated on the completion of the workshop to assess the outcome.

Results: After statistical analysis, the baseline knowledge among interns was 42.11%, 55.75%, 17.85%, which improved significantly to 93.34%, 96.2%, 88.26% respectively post workshop. A statistically significant difference was observed pre- and post-workshop with respect to the knowledge and interpretation of TST and IGRA (P < 0.0001*).

Conclusion: This questionnaire-based study highlights the importance of training interns on diagnostic modalities for LTBI. Current study findings showed significant improvement in the knowledge of the participants.