Knowledge and Attitudes About Tuberculosis Among U.S.-Born Blacks and Whites with Tuberculosis

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.