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Investigation of Knowledge and Perception of Tuberculosis Among Hispanics in Utah County, Utah

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health volume 19, pages 147–154 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

This study aimed to assess extent of knowledge and perceptions of TB within the growing Hispanic community of Utah County, Utah, and the need for focused community educational intervention within that demographic. A mixed-method approach was used and included a survey of 166 adult males and females, and two focus groups with Hispanic women. TB was better known for its ability to kill (92.8 %) than for being contagious (64.5 %); while most knew that TB mainly affects the lungs (77.7 %) and is spread through coughing (75.3 %). Few believed that overcrowded living conditions were a risk factor for TB (30.1 %). Many believed that TB could be cured with medicine (75.3 %). And 65.7 % reported they had been tested for TB, and 7 % had been told by a doctor they had TB. Focus group data showed while most had knowledge of major TB symptoms, some had key misperceptions about disease transmission, testing, TB vaccine, and various protective factors. Enhanced education and dissemination of information on TB, to include an emphasis on symptoms, testing, and treatment within this demographic is recommended. A culturally-appropriate intervention should utilize a participatory approach, to include the local health department in partnership with various Hispanic community-based organizations.

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Acknowledgments

The research team would like to acknowledge the assistance of Carla Lott, of the TB Program of the Utah County Health Department; Bruce Grover, MD, Mountainlands Community Health Center, Provo, UT; and Angelica Nash, at Centro Hispano, Provo, UT. This study was supported in part by The Walter F. Lewis Family Foundation, Provo, UT.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA

    Tyler Boulter, Solanda Moran, Victor Moxley & Eugene C. Cole

  2. 1914 Wilderland Circle, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA

    Tyler Boulter

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  1. Tyler Boulter
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  2. Solanda Moran
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  3. Victor Moxley
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  4. Eugene C. Cole
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Correspondence to Tyler Boulter.

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Boulter, T., Moran, S., Moxley, V. et al. Investigation of Knowledge and Perception of Tuberculosis Among Hispanics in Utah County, Utah. J Immigrant Minority Health 19, 147–154 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0316-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0316-8

Keywords

  • Tuberculosis
  • Hispanics
  • Knowledge
  • Perceptions
  • Education