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Knowledge and Attitudes toward Tuberculosis among High School Students in Busan  

Cheong, Chin-Ock (Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University)
Kim, Sung-Soo (Department of Social Studies of Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University)
Kang, Mi-Kyung (International Tuberculosis Research Center)
Cho, Eun-Hee (Division of HIV & TB Control, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Lee, Eun Yup (Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University)
Chang, Chulhun L. (Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University)
Publication Information
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases / v.65, no.5, 2008 , pp. 369-378 More about this Journal
Abstract
Background: The mortality rate from tuberculosis in Korea is the highest among OECD countries. However, general public's knowledge of tuberculosis is limited. Currently, exposure to tuberculosis in high school students is a big problem. Methods: A written questionnaire was distributed to 78 high school students in Busan. Results: Almost all the students had heard of tuberculosis (95%). However, their knowledge of tuberculosis was very superficial and limited. The attitude about tuberculosis was 'nothing to worry about' and there was no systemic education in the school or home. Conclusion: Although tuberculosis is quite serious in Korea, most people know little about it and have the wrong attitude. In particular, high school students are easily exposed to tuberculosis because they spend most of their time as a group. Therefore, education of high school students on tuberculosis is strongly recommended in schools and the home. In addition, medical practitioners should play a role in education and prevention programs.
Keywords
High school student; Tuberculosis; Survey; Knowledge & attitude;
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