Tuberculosis is more prevalent in developing countries, in which up to 95% of cases occur. It remains a major
challenge to global public health in the 21st century. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of nursing intervention
program for tuberculosis patients by using epidemiological model. Setting: The study was conducted at outpatient clinics in
Benha Chest Hospital and El-Fayoum University Hospital. Sample: A simple random sample of 95 tuberculosis patients who
attended to the previous mentioned settings; 45 patients from El-Fayoum University Hospital and 50 patients from Benha
Chest Hospital, were selected randomly and representing 15% of 1425 attended patients over six months in the year 2013. Tool:
An interviewing questionnaire included four parts 1): Socio-demographic characteristics. 2): Patient past and present medical
history. 3): Patient knowledge regarding tuberculosis. And 4): Patient knowledge about practices through asking questions
related to tuberculosis, which included: a) Patient health practices regarding tuberculosis. b): Patient knowledge regarding
epidemiological model as person (host), agent, and environment. Results: 84.2% of the study sample were males while 48.4%
their age ranged from 20 to 40 years, and 83.2% of them were smokers. 34.7% of study sample had especial equipment
compared to 85.3% of them post intervention program. Furthermore 65.3% of the study sample avoided overcrowding places
pre intervention program compared to 74.7% of them post intervention program. Statistically significant differences were
detected between pre and post program regarding epidemiological model. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the
patients' knowledge were increased after implementing the program and their practices were improved regarding health
practices and epidemiological model. Recommendations: Health education program should be provided for tuberculosis
patients regarding epidemiological model during treatment phases and follow-up visits |
