Knowledge, Practice, and Barriers of Nurses About Early TB Detection in Selected Health Centre IVs in a District in South-western Uganda

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health issue globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Early detection and management of TB are crucial, but nurses encounter various obstacles that highlight the need for focused interventions. In Southwestern Uganda, there is a lack of studies on nurses’ knowledge, practices, and barriers related to early TB detection. This study aimed to explore these factors among nurses at Health Centre IVs in Southwestern Uganda. Using Lewin’s Theory of Organizational Change, the study focused on the “unfreezing” stage to examine nurses’ knowledge and practices. A cross-sectional research design was used, sourveying 60 nurses from three Health Centre IVs. The results showed only 20% had excellent knowledge of TB detection, and 67% displayed poor practices. Many faced significant barriers, including lack of training and resources, which hinder early detection. The study concluded that there are notable gaps in nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding early TB detection and recommended ongoing training and standardized guidelines to improve these issues and reduce stigma surrounding TB.