A multicentre study of doctors' approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in Turkey

Background: Inappropriate anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment, particularly at the beginning of the disease, is a major cause of drug resistance. This survey was performed to evaluate doctors' approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of TB. Method: The study was conducted in 12 cities, each from a different geographical region of Turkey. A prepared questionnaire about their academic careers and experience in TB and its treatment was distributed to the doctors. Results: The research group consisted of 1,112 doctors. The mean age was 32.7 ± 6.6 years. The results showed that 75.9% of the doctors had insufficient knowledge about TB. The results of the study further showed that chest specialists, female doctors, physicians who work in a first stage hospital, doctors who had previously diagnosed TB and those who had access to a microbiology laboratory had a better level of knowledge about tuberculosis and its treatment than other doctors. Conclusion: A great diversity was seen between daily practice of doctors and national guidelines about TB. Educational programmes conducted by specialists in TB control may help to standardize and increase the knowledge of TB.