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Knowledge and Attitudes About Tuberculosis Among US-Born Blacks and Whites with Tuberculosis
Howley, MM., Rouse, CD., Katz, DJ., Colson, PW., Hirsch-Moverman, Y., & Royce, R. (2015). Knowledge and Attitudes About Tuberculosis Among US-Born Blacks and Whites with Tuberculosis. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 17(5), 1487-1495. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-0105-9
Non-Hispanic blacks represent 13 % of the U.S.-born population but account for 37 % of tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in U.S.-born persons. Few studies have explored whether this disparity is associated with differences in TB-related knowledge and attitudes. Interviews were conducted with U.S.-born, non-Hispanic blacks and whites diagnosed with TB from August 2009 to December 2010 in cities and states that accounted for 27 % of all TB cases diagnosed in these racial groups in the U.S. during that time period. Of 477 participants, 368 (77 %) were non-Hispanic black and 109 (23 %) were non-Hispanic white. Blacks had significantly less knowledge and more misconceptions about TB transmission and latent TB infection than whites. Most TB patients in both groups recalled being given TB information; having received such information was strongly correlated with TB knowledge. Providing information to U.S.-born TB patients significantly increased their knowledge and understanding of TB. More focused efforts are needed to provide TB information to U.S.-born black TB patients