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Table 2 Correct knowledge of TB prevention and infection control

From: Factors associated with good TB infection control practices among primary healthcare workers in the Free State Province, South Africa

Correct responses to knowledge statements

n (%)

TB symptoms

 Prolonged cough is a symptom of TB (True)

218 (92.4)

 Unintentional weight loss is a symptom of TB (True)

202 (85.6)

 Fever every day for more than 1 week is a symptom of TB (True)

189 (50.1)

 Night sweats are a symptom of TB (True)

231 (97.9)

TB transmission

 TB patients with negative sputum smears can be considered infectious (False)

53 (22.5)

 TB can be spread through blood (False)

210 (89.0)

 Patients with TB commonly infect others by talking or singing (False)

112 (47.5 %)

Personal protective equipment

 N95 respirators work just as well when wet or visibly dirty (False)

189 (80.1)

 Wearing a surgical mask can help healthcare workers protect themselves from TB (False)

58 (24.6)

 An N95 respirator provides an airtight seal on the face that the user does not need to check (False)

119 (50.4)

Cough etiquette

 Patients who are coughing should be given tissues or surgical masks to cover their mouths until TB has been excluded (True)

210 (89.0)

 If coughing/sneezing patients or suspects are using tissues or surgical masks, there no need for staff to wear N95 respirators (False)

195 (82.6)

 Before a TB suspect has a confirmed diagnosis, having him wear a surgical mask is unnecessary (False)

168 (71.2)

Ventilation

 Mechanical ventilation (like extractor fans) is always more effective than natural ventilation (open windows) for preventing TB (False)

155 (65.7)

 Open windows can help prevent the spread of TB (True)

230 (97.5)

 If a fan is used in a room, opening windows will not provide additional infection control (False)

191 (80.9)

Separation of coughing patients

 When entering the clinic, every patient should be asked if they are coughing (True)

218 (92.4)

 Keeping coughing and non-coughing patients apart in the clinic will help to stop TB from spreading (True)

186 (78.8)

 TB suspects in the waiting area should not wait just as long as everyone else, and should not be rushed through the queue (False)

200 (84.7)

TB/HIV

 An HIV positive staff member cancan get sick with TB if they practice TB prevention strategies (False)

49 (20.8)

 HIV positive staff who are healthy and on ARVs should still try to avoid working in high risk areas (True)

158 (66.9)

 An HIV positive person is more likely than an HIV negative person to become sick with TB if exposed to TB (True)

218 (92.4)