Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Upon transitioning to the family medicine system in Turkey, the number of tuberculosis dispensaries (TDs) was reduced, and important responsibilities have been given to family physicians in tuberculosis (TB) control. Furthermore, with the new system, the incomes of doctors working at TDs remained quite lower than those of family physicians. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether family physicians possess the necessary level of knowledge regarding TB, and the secondary aim was to evaluate the attitudes and views of primary care physicians regarding working at TDs because of this economic inequality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 15 questions that measures the basic knowledge regarding TB and that evaluates the role of family health centers in TB control and the willingness of doctors to work at TDs was presented to family physicians in the city of Sakarya.

RESULTS: Of the 84 family physicians that participated in the study, 43% did not have sufficient knowledge about diagnosis, 56% about medicine information, and 77% about transmission and duration of treatment. In addition, 74% of family physicians stated that TD workers run the risk of infection and that their chances of contracting TB are higher, 90% stated that TD workers should be provided with the same economic conditions as family physicians, and 68% stated that TD workers should be positively discriminated. Half of the participants stated, as it stands, that they do not want to work at a TD, and 31% stated that they would definitely not work at a TD even if TD workers are provided with the same economic conditions as family physicians or they are positively discriminated.

CONCLUSION: To take the national fight against TB to a higher level, we reached the conclusion that it is important that the lack of knowledge of family physicians should be remedied, that TB should be included in their job descriptions, and that TD workers should be provided with the same economic conditions as family physicians.