“Awareness of Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test among health care workers”.

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). The Mantoux tuberculin skin test (MTST) is one of the few investigations dating from the 19th century that are still widely used as the primary test for TB screening and diagnosis but its interpretation always remains difficult.

Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge about MTST amongst Healthcare Workers (HCWs) and the difference in knowledge among different groups of HCWs.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 200 HCWs (Medical officers and nurses) at Pakistan Ordinance Factory (POF) Hospital, Wah Cantt, three months after approval of the synopsis. The demographic profile of the participants and information about knowledge, interpretation and application of MTST was gathered using self-administered questionnaire. After Data analysis the understanding level of different groups was calculate by using chi-square test

Result: It was identified that the study participants had scarce information about MTST. In our study the total level of awareness about this test was good 24(12%) out of 200 participants, total procedural awareness was good 24(12%) and total interpretation awareness was good 28(14%).   

Conclusion: It was observed that the knowledge and interpretation level of HCWs is very limited regarding MTST and steps should be taken to elevate the level of awareness. Multiple awareness  sessions should be arranged regularly for HCWs to upgrade their knowledge in this regard.

Key Words: Awareness,Healthcare workers,Interpretation, Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test.