LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE POPULATION REGARDING TUBERCULOSIS. SAN RAFAEL PRESIDENTE COMMUNITY HAYES - PARAGUAY. 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can affect organs other than the
lungs, and constitutes a major public health problem. Objective: Determine the level of knowledge about tuberculosis among residents of the San Rafael community, located in the Presidente Hayes Department of Paraguay. Methodology: This was an observational, descriptive, crosssectional study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 70 residents, selected using nonprobability convenience sampling. Results: The most relevant findings were: 28% were between 20 and 30 years old; 65% were female; 98% had a primary school education; 62% were homemakers and 32% were self-employed; 85% knew the  cause of tuberculosis; 90% knew that the lungs are the primary affected organ; 65% knew the meaning of latent tuberculosis; 55% knew the mode of transmission; 90% recognized asymptomatic individuals; 50% were unaware of the factors that facilitate transmission; and 49% did not adequately identify the at-risk population. Regarding symptoms, complications, and treatment,  94% know the duration of treatment, 90% know that TB is curable, 86% know when a diagnosis is confirmed, and 80% know the main symptom of pulmonary TB. 11% know the period of highest contagiousness, 57% know the most common diagnostic test, and 57% know the standard treatment. Conclusion: It is concluded that the level of knowledge among the residents of the San Rafael community about tuberculosis is very good; however, they show weaknesses in understanding practical preventive measures.