Abstract

We aimed to measure the level of tuberculosis (TB) knowledge and risk perception among healthcare workers in our hospital. This study was carried out in a military hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. It consisted of four main categories including demographics, determination of hospital position, level of tuberculosis (TB) knowledge, and risk perception. The questionnaire was used with 183 health care workers via face-to-face interviews by an experienced nurse. The answers for the categories “knowledge level” and “risk perception” were scored and a point was established for every participant. The total number of participants was 183. Eighty two were female (mean age 31,1±5,9), the remaining patients were male (mean age 35,0±5,9). The proportions of physicians, nurses, healthcare workers, laboratory assistants, and administrative employees were 26,8%, 29%, 24%, 6,6%, and 13,7%, respectively.The Pulmonary Division had the highest points (average 76.4) among the departments with respect to TB knowledge level. In the same category, physicians had higher points (average 74,6) compared to other professions. Although there were no differences among departments and professions considering risk perception, the group with fewer than 50 points of knowledge level had an average of 15,0 points for risk perception (the total point was 30). Participants with 50 and over points for knowledge level had statistically lower risk perception points (12,6). Among departments and professions,the Pulmonary Division and physicians were more successful with respect to knowledge level. We found that the higher the knowledge level about TB, the lower the risk perception.