Knowledge and myths about pulmonary tuberculosis among selected employees in a business process outsourcing company in the Philippines

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) continues to be a public health problem and is still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines despite the preventive and control strategies done by different agencies. This study aimed to explore PTB in the workplace particularly in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, an area with limited studies. Descriptive comparative and correlational methods were used to assess the employees’ level of knowledge and level of agreement to myths about PTB. 243 employees were randomly selected to participate in this study. T-test of independence, one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey were used to test for the significant and specific differences among variables. Results showed educational attainment (p = 0.007) and length of service (p = 0.008) to affect the level of knowledge, while educational attainment (p < 0.001), length of service (p = 0.013) and average monthly income (p < 0.001) seem to affect employees’ level of agreement to myths. No correlation was found between the level of knowledge and myths. This study revealed a good knowledge among employees but are still prone to myths about PTB. Proneness to myths poses a threat to the effectiveness of PTB control and preventive strategies. Policy makers and top management of BPO industries may consider these pieces of evidence to focus on the factors that may have affected knowledge and susceptibility to myths on PTB. Alignment of health policies with the needs of the company must also be taken into consideration to address the existing gaps appropriately.