Knowledge and practices regarding tuberculosis: a survey of final-year medical students from Canada, India and Uganda

Context Tuberculosis is one of the most: common infectious diseases worldwi de and is responsible for the largest number of deaths from a single infect ious cause. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the knowledge of and p ractices regarding tuberculosis in final-year medical students at schools f rom endemic and non-endemic areas. Subjects Final-year medical students at McMaster University in Canada, the Christian Medical College in India, and Makerere University in Uganda. Meth ods A questionnaire consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions assessing kn owledge, practices, and exposure. A total knowledge score (maximum = 13) an d a total practice score (maximum = 5) were created for each study site. Results 160 questionnaires were returned; the response rate was 68.4% (65/9 5) for McMaster University, 39.7% (23/58) for the Christian Medical College and 78.3% (72/92) for Makerere University. Students from Makerere Universi ty had the highest knowledge scores but differences were non-significant af ter adjustment for patient exposure and curriculum time (F(2,153) = 1.80, P = 0.16). Differences in practice scores, however, remained significant aft er adjusting for curriculum time and patient exposure (F(2,153) = 5.14, P = 0.006). Knowledge score (F(1,156) = 5.05, P = 0.02), patient exposure (F(1 ,153) = 9.11, P = 0.003), and curriculum time and patient exposure (F(2,153 ) = 5.14, P = 0.006) were statistically significant positive predictors of the total practice score. Conclusions This study demonstrated significant differences in undergraduat e exposure to tuberculosis, total knowledge, and practice competency at thr ee medical schools in Canada, India, and Uganda. In general, the knowledge base and practice competency of all three graduating classes was adequate.