Perceptions of tuberculosis: attributions of cause, suggested means of risk reduction, and preferred treatment in the Limpopo province, South Africa.

Despite the availability of effective treatment regimens, exceptionally high rates of tuberculosis persist in South Africa. A better understanding of public perceptions of tuberculosis is important for the improvement of the existing tuberculosis-control programmes. This study was aimed at investigating public perceptions about causes, suggested means of risk reduction, and preferred treatment of tuberculosis. The cross-sectional study included a sample of 80 community members from four different age groups chosen by quota sampling in a semi-urban community. Results indicated that 13.75% of the community members reported biomedical causes of tuberculosis, 35% suggested biomedical methods as a means for risk reduction, and 91.25% preferred medical treatment. Significant gender but not age difference was found. Women reported more often than men a biomedical cause of tuberculosis. A number of misconceptions about the cause and risk reduction of tuberculosis were also mentioned. The results suggest that people in a semi-urban area of the Limpopo province have limited knowledge and understanding of tuberculosis. It is suggested that healthcare workers provide services for increasing basic knowledge about causes and risk reduction of tuberculosis of the population in every age group.