Tuberculosis Investigation Among Household Contacts of Index TB Case in Ga West Municipal of Greater Accra Region

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis continues to be a major global health problem and a cause of mortality and morbidity across all age groups throughout the world, especially in developing countries. It is estimated that, a single individual living with pulmonary TB infection in the community can infect an average of 8-10 people in a year and, each household contact contributing to about 4.5% to 7.8% of active disease. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Tuberculosis investigation among household contacts of index TB case in Ga West Municipal of Greater Accra. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using purposive sampling to select 107 contacts of index TB cases. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect data for the study. The data collected was analyzed using STATA version 14. Results: The study found high awareness of TB among contacts. Knowledge of mode of transmission of TB was also high among contacts. However, knowledge of signs and symptoms of Tb was low with low level of screening among contacts. Prevalence of TB among contacts was 20% Conclusion: Healthcare facilities should take advantage of high awareness and knowledge of TB to educate contacts on the need to screen for TB. Keywords: Index cases, contacts, knowledge, Tuberculosis.