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Knowledge and Preventive Practices Against Pulmonary
Tuberculosis Amongst Young Adults of Randomly Selected Churches
Within the Niger Delta Diocese in Rivers State, Nigeria
Glory Conelius
1
, Rosemary Osuala
2
, Justin Ngwu
3
, Eunice Osuala
4
, Basil Ogbu
5
, Florence Mandah
6
1
Department of Nursing Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, PH, Rivers State, Nigeria
2
Royal Victoria Infimary, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
3
Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
4
Department of Nursing Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, PH, Rivers State
5
Department of Nursing & Community Health ,Glasgow, Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
6
Department of Nursing Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, PH, Rivers State
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100099
Received: 13 November 2025; Accepted: 18 November 2025; Published: 01 December 2025
ABSTRACT
Global statistics from Pubmed suggests that young adults remain a significant but under-recognized population
with Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). A systematic review found bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB
prevalence ranging from 45 to 799 per 100,000 among adolescents and young adults in Asia-Pacific, and 160 to
462 per 100,000 in African settings. Snow, K. J., etal 2018).
Globally, it is estimated that between 1.2 and 3.0 million people aged 10–24 years develop TB each year. This
highlights the fact that young adult’s age bracket accounts for a substantial portion of the global Tuberclosis
(TB) burden.
The findings of the 2023 World Tuberculosis Report, hold thats Nigeria is ranked sixth among the identified 30
nations with highest cases of tuberculosis (TB) burden around the world, and the first in her continent Africa.
(WHO Global TB Report 2024)
The study herein was carried out to assess the knowledge and preventive practices against pulmonary
tuberculosis (PTB) amongst young adults (15-26) in selected churches within the Niger Delta Diocese of Rivers
State, Nigeria.
Objectives:
Three objectives were formulated to guide this study and they include;
i. To ascertain if young adults know about pulmonary tuberculosis in the selected churches
ii. To assess the precautionary measures taken against pulmonary tuberculosis
iii. To identify the socio-demographic factors influencing pulmonary tuberculosis knowledge among young
adults.
Hypothesis: One null hypothesis was formulated to guide association.
Study design: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted.
INTRODUCTION
Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a leading cause of illness and mortality worldwide1. In 2021, an estimated 2.5
million persons in Africa contracted tuberculosis2 . Furthermore, in 2021, 1.6 million persons died from
tuberculosis. Furthermore, the occurrence rate of tuberculosis increased by 3.6% in 2021 compared to 2020,
indicating a reversal from the tendency of nearly 2% decline per year during the previous two decades3, yet the
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)4 primarily aim to reduce tuberculosis deaths by 90% by
2030. Since the early twentieth century, TB rates have been documented to climb dramatically in young people.
The majority of young adults globally live in low- and middle-income countries, where tuberculosis remains
endemic, accounting for 25% of the population. Despite this, young adults have not been regarded as a distinct
demographic in tuberculosis policy or treatment programs, and new research reveals that current care models
may not satisfy their needs5.
Bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG) inoculation or vaccination is now the only vaccine that provides modest
protection against tuberculosis infection, and it frequently loses effectiveness during childhood6 . One of these
approaches, particularly in Nigeria, resulted in the acceptance of Directly Observed Therapy Short Course
(DOTS) as a TB control technique. It was revealed that approximately 5,000 DOTs facilities had been established
in Nigeria, with the goal of providing free tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment to underprivileged areas7. The
rising incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is related with greater health impairment, and patient mortality is a severe
issue for society. This was supported by the findings of Nigeria's Health Minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanir 8, who
declared Nigeria having a 50% increase in annual tuberculosis case notification in 2021, with numbers increasing
from 138,591 cases in 2020 to 207,785. Nigeria has the highest tuberculosis burden in Africa and sixth in the
world9 .
The importance of the knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis especially among young adults has been captured
by some authors in their studies under two (2) targets; (i) redressing their poor knowledge about the signs and
symptoms of PTB, as well as introducing the Bacilli Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine10, (ii) changing their poor
adherence to treatment processes and the preference of traditional healers over the freely available standard and
free medical care7 .
The lead researcher has observed a concerning trend of young adults visiting the PTB unit at the Rivers State
University Teaching Hospitals to receive treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis when she was posted at the TB
unit. This trend suggests a gap in knowledge and prevention practices within this geographic. Furthermore, the
decline in Bacilli Calmette Vaccine (BCG) immunization in young adults is an important point of concern. The
BCG vaccine, which protects against severe types of tuberculosis, is often given throughout children. However,
decreasing immunity and a lack of booster doses in maturity may enhance young individuals' susceptibility to
pulmonary tuberculosis11. The young adults form a greater percentage of our populace.
Methods
The descriptive cross-sectional sampling technique was adopted. Sample size of 180 was using Taro Yamane
formula. The instrument for data collection was a validated self-structured questionnaire. Ethical approval was
obtained. The data was analysed using SPSS version 27. ANOVA was used to test for hypothesis at a 0.05 level
of significance.
Results
The result show that the respondents have an average knowledge of PTB and a grand mean of 1.62 in the
preventive practice. Only 41% received BCG and 88.3% have not gone for routine pulmonary tuberculosis
screening. This suggests scaling up of both knowledge and practice of prevention. Level of practice and
knowledge have significant relationship with the socio-demographic variables.
Conclusion
There is need for public health nurses, in collaboration with non-governmental agencies to take PTB awareness
campaigns, to religious settings where this age bracket is clustered.
Key words: Pulmonary tuberculosis, knowledge, preventive practices, churches.
METHODS
The study aims to assess the knowledge and preventive practices against pulmonary tuberculosis among young
adults aged 15-26 years in selected churches within the Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State, Nigeria. The specific
churches included in the study are St. Paul Cathedral, St. Emmanuel Anglican Church, Church of Pentecost, St.
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Matthew Anglican Church, St. Thomas Anglican Church, and Alpha and Omega Anglican Church. The study
categorizes the young adults into three groups: younger adults (15-18 years), middle adults (19-22 years), and
older adults (23-26 years)
A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted.
The target population of the study comprised a total of three hundred (300) young adults in the 6 selected
Anglican churches presently in the membership list. The young adults belong to the age group of 15-27 years.
This is the list of the population of young adults in each church:
Table 1: List of churches and respective number
S/N
Name of Church
Number
1
Cathedral church of St Paul
72
2
St. Thomas Anglican church
62
3
St. Matthew Anglican church
48
4
Alpha and Omega Anglican church
36
5
St. Emmanuel Anglican church
54
6
Church of Pentecost
28
Total
300
The sample size of 188 was calculated using the Taro Yamane formula for a known population.
Taro Yamane: n = N / (1 + N (e)2)
Where: N = Total population
n = sample size
e = the margin error in the calculation
N = 300, n = ?, e = 0.05
n = 300 / (1 + 300 (0.05)2)
n=171.4
For non-response: 171 + 10% of n
171 + 17.1 = 188.1
Therefore, the sample size is 188.
A simple random sampling technique was used to select the six Anglican churches out of the 20 churches in
Niger Delta North in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. To randomly select the churches, a RANDBETWEEN formula
in Microsoft Excel was used to select the six churches. The 20 churches were arranged in alphabetical order (A-
Z), and a number from 1 to 20 was given to each. The numbers picked by the RANDBETWEEN formula were
17, 4, 5, 13, 1 and 20. This allowed every church to be given an equal chance of being selected.
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From the six churches, a sample size of 188 was obtained for this study.
Young adults within the age bracket of 15-26 years in the six selected churches who are willing to participate
were included in the study. Non-attendees of the six selected churches were excluded.
The face and content validity of the instrument were determined by the researcher’s supervisor and two (2) other
research experts. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained using a Cronbach Alpha (ra) method, and the
value was .872.
Ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee of Rivers State University Teaching
Hospital (RSUTH/REC/2023332). Informed consent was obtained from all the participants, and they were
informed that it is voluntary and there would be no consequence for participants if they do not want to participate.
Confidentiality was ensured.
The instrument utilized for data collection was titled “Knowledge and Preventive Practices against Pulmonary
Tuberculosis among Young Adults Questionnaire” (KAPPAPTAYAQ). The instrument was a self-structured
25-itemed instrument patterned after an optional “Yes” and “No” response format. The instrument was in three
(3) sections; Section A comprised of seven (7) demographic characteristics, Section B comprised 12 items on
the basic knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis, and Section C comprised of seven (7) items on preventive
practices against pulmonary tuberculosis. Subjects were selected purposefully.
Data was collected by face-to-face direct delivery technique, which was used by the researcher and research
assistant to effectively explain, and make clarifications (where necessary)
A total of 188 questionnaires were administered, with 182 retrieved, giving a response rate of 96.8%. Out of the
182 retrieved questionnaires, only 180 could be used because the rest were incomplete, giving a data
completeness rate of 95.7%. Therefore, the 180 retrieved questionnaires were used and analysed.
The collected data was analysed using a descriptive statistic: frequency, percentage, and mean (with a criterion
mean cut-off of 1.5) to answer the research questions. The analysis was done with the aid of Statistical Product
and Service Solution (SPSS) 27.0 and Microsoft Excel. ANOVA was used to calculate the hypotheses
Conditions for Decision on the Mean
The criterion mean cut-off for the research questions stated in this study was attained by the total or aggregate
of all the scores of the “Yes” and “No” rating scale that was assigned to the items in the instrument. Two-point
rating scale was used i: Yes (YES, 2 Points), and No (NO, 1 Point)
The criterion mean cut-off = 2+1/2 = 3/2 = 1.5
Therefore, the mean cut-off score was 1.5; hence, items equal and above the score of 1.5 were accepted or rated
as positive while items below 1.5 were rated as Negative.Knowledge was categorized into three: low, moderate
and high.Values for low knowledge is below 49, moderate knowledge 50 – 74 and high knowledge above 75
RESULTS
Table 2: The demographic characteristics of respondents. n = 180 100%
f
Percent (%)
15 – 18
43
23.9
19- 22
74
41.1
23- 26
63
35.0
Total
180
100
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anglican churchAnglican churchAnglican church Cathedral
penticost
Total
St Paul
St Matthew St Thomas
Church of Emmanuel
Alpha and
Omega
16
36
30
19
33
46
60
40
20
0
180
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
NAME OF CHURCH
Male
Female
Total
79
101
180
43.9
56.1
100
Student
Employed
Self-employed
Unemployed
Total
69
88
11
12
180
38.3
48.9
6.1
6.7
100
Primary
Secondary
Higher education
Total
-
26
154
180
-
14.4
85.6
100
Below 30,000
₦31,000- ₦100,000
Above ₦100,000
Total
35
110
35
180
19.4
61.2
19.4
100
Urban area
Rural area
Total
154
26
180
85.6
14.4
100
TABLE 2: This indicates demographic characteristics of the respondents. The demographic characteristics
include their age group, gender, income, occupation, education, and current residence. The majority, 41.5%,
belong to the age group of 19-24. 154 respondents attested to having gotten a higher education. Females were
the highest in number, 101 (56.2%). 88 (48.9%) are employed, and 154 (85.6%) of the respondents live in urban
regions.
Fig. 1: Church of respondents
Source: Author (Microsoft EXCEL)
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Fig .1 Represents the selected six churches used for this study and the number of respondents from each church.
Majority of the respondents attend St. Paul Cathedral.
RESEARCH QUESTION 1: What do the young adults know about pulmonary tuberculosis in the selected
churches in Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State?
TABLE 3: The frequency and percentage of the knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis among respondents n=180
100%
Items
f
%
1. Have you heard of pulmonary
tuberculosis?
Yes
No
180
-
100
-
2. What causes pulmonary tuberculosis?
Bacteria
93
51.7
Virus
27
15.0
Fungus
25
13.9
Don’t know
35
19.4
3. How is pulmonary TB transmitted from
Coughing or sneezing
154
85.6
person to person?
Sharing food or utensils
9
5.0
Sexual contact
11
6.1
Touching contaminated surfaces
6
3.3
4. What are the most common symptoms
Persistent cough
90
50.0
of pulmonary tuberculosis?
Fever
33
18.3
Weight loss
-
-
Night sweats
-
-
All the above
57
31.7
5. Is pulmonary TB a curable disease?
Yes
125
69.4
No
55
30.5
6. How many doses is given for Bacilli
One
67
37.2
Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine
Two
82
45.6
Three
31
17.2
7. At what age should the BCG vaccine be
Age 2
47
26.1
taken?
Age 5
78
43.3
At birth
55
30.6
8. Do you know pulmonary tuberculosis
can affects other part of your body and lead
to death if not treated?
Yes
No
100
80
55.6
44.4
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Friends
Family
members
Internet
School
Health care
workers
Church
0
9
5
10
16
15
20
10
Frequency
25
15
20
25
30
Source of information for "Yes" respondents
9. What are the main treatment options for
pulmonary TB
Antibiotics
Surgery
Traditional/herbal remedies
110
63
7
61.1
35.0
3.9
10. How can pulmonary TB be prevented
Vaccination (BCG)
Covering the mouth when coughing
with your handkerchief
Avoiding close contacts with TB
patients
Don’t know
126
40
7
7
70.0
22.2
3.9
3.9
Source: Author (SPSS Output, 2024).
TABLE 3: A significant number of the respondents (52.8%) are aware of pulmonary tuberculosis, and the
majority (51.7%) correctly identified bacteria as a cause of pulmonary tuberculosis. On the basis of transmission
majority, 85.6% correctly identified coughing or sneezing as the mode of transmission. The most common
symptom recognised was persistent cough (50.0%). A significant majority, 69.4%, are aware that pulmonary TB
is curable. According to the results, only 37.2% of respondents correctly identified that one dose is given for the
BCG vaccine. Only 30.6% of respondents correctly identified that the vaccine should be given at birth. 55.6%
recognize the serious nature of untreated pulmonary tuberculosis. 70.0% are aware of the importance of BCG
vaccination in preventing TB.
To assess the knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis of the young adults, the percentage of the total number of
respondents that had the correct answers in each item was calculated and divided by the total items: 100 + 51.7
+ 85.6 + 31.7 + 69.4 + 37.2 + 30.6 + 55.6 + 61.1 + 70.0 (%) = 592.9/10 = 59.3%. The overall score of 59% falls
within the moderate knowledge category (50-79%).
Fig. .2 Frequency of respondent’s source of information
Source: Microsoft Excel
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Fig 2 : Majority of the respondents had their source of information on pulmonary tuberculosis from health care
workers.
RESEARCH QUESTION 2: What are the precautionary measures taken against pulmonary tuberculosis
among young adults in the selected churches in Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State.
Table 4: the frequency and the percentage of preventive practices against pulmonary tuberculosis among the
respondents n=180
Items
Yes
No
Mean
f
%
f
%
1. Have you received the BCG vaccine against
Tuberculosis
75
41.7
31
17.2
1.01
2. Do you cover your mouth and nose when
coughing or sneezing
180
100.0
-
-
2.00
3. Do you open the windows and doors to
improve ventilation in your living/working space
161
89.4
19
10.9
1.89
4. Do you wear a mask when in a crowded or
enclosed space
66
36.7
114
63.3
1.37
5. Have you ever been screened for TB symptoms
(e.g. persistent cough, fever, weight loss)
21
11.7
159
88.3
1.12
6. If you had TB symptoms would you seek
medical attention
177
98.3
3
1.7
1.98
7. Would you encourage your family and friends
to get tested for TB if you notice symptoms
180
100.0
-
-
2.00
GRAND MEAN
1.62
YE(Yes) = ≥ 1.50 while No (No) ˂ 1.50.
Source: SPSS Output, 2024
TABLE 4: This table shows the precautionary measures taken against pulmonary tuberculosis among the
respondents in the selected churches. The result shows that 41% have received the BCG vaccination, while
41.1% do not know if they have received the BCG vaccination, and 17.2% attested NO to having not received
it. All respondents demonstrated a universal adherence to this preventive practice of covering the mouth and
nose when sneezing or coughing. Most respondents 89.4% take steps to improve ventilation in their living room
or working space. Only 66 respondents about 36.7% wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces. A small
percentage of respondents 11.7% have been screened for TB symptoms showing that majority 88.3% have not
undergone screening. Almost all respondents 177 out of 180 (98.3%) would seek medical attention if they had
symptoms. All respondents 100.0% would encourage their family and friends to get tested for TB if symptoms
were noticed. The grand mean of 1.62 generally suggests a positive practice towards pulmonary tuberculosis
prevention. However, the lower rates of mask-wearing and TB symptom screening highlight areas that need
improvement.
RESEARCH QUESTION 3: what are the demographic factors that influence young adults’ knowledge of
pulmonary tuberculosis in the selected churches in the Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State.
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Table 5: Summary of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) on the difference between the demographic characteristics
of young adults and their knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Demographic
Characteristics
Source of
Variation
Sum of
Squares
df
Mean
Square
F
Sig.
Decision
Age group
Between Groups
53.979
18
2.999
9.695
.000
S
Within Groups
49.799
161
.309
Total
103.778
179
Gender
Between Groups
24.866
18
1.381
11.428
.000
S
Within Groups
19.462
161
.121
Total
44.328
179
Occupation
Between Groups
60.173
18
3.343
8.765
.000
S
Within Groups
61.405
161
.381
Total
121.578
179
Income
Between Groups
28.550
18
1.586
6.161
.000
S
Within Groups
41.450
161
.257
Total
70.000
179
Grand Total
84.921
9.012
0.000
S
Decision Rule: if p<.05, retains association between socio-demographic data and knowledge , S=significant .
while NS= Not Significant is p>.05.
Source: SPSS Output, 2024.
Table 5 shows that the different demographic characteristics (such as age, gender, education level, and income)
of young adults have significant influence on their knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis in the selected churches
in the Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State, Nigeria (F16, 185=.000, F= 9.012, p<.05). Specifically, age (F18,
161=.000, F= 9.695, p<.05), gender (F18, 161=.000, F= 11.428, p<.05), occupation (F18, 161=.000, F= 8.765,
p<.05), and income (F18, 161=.000, F= 6.161, p<.05) all had significant influence on their knowledge of
pulmonary tuberculosis in the selected churches in the Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State, Nigeria. This indicated
that the young adults across age, gender, occupation, and income differed in their knowledge of pulmonary
tuberculosis in the selected churches in the Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State. Hence, the different demographic
characteristics of young adults significantly influenced their knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis in the selected
churches in the Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State.
Test Of Hypotheses
Hypothesis: There is no significance difference between the knowledge and the preventive practices of
pulmonary tuberculosis among selected churches in Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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Table 6: Summary of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) on the difference between the knowledge and the
preventive practices of pulmonary tuberculosis among selected churches in Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State.
Source of Variation
Sum of Squares
Df
Mean Square
F
Sig.
Decision
Between Groups
1.175
5
.235
1.166
.328
NS
Within Groups
35.057
174
.201
Total
36.232
179
Decision Rule: if p<.05 reject H
o
, else retain H
o
. NS= Not Significant, p>.05, S= significant, p<.05.
Source: SPSS Output, 2024.
Table 6 shows that the knowledge of young adults has no significant influence on the preventive practices of
pulmonary tuberculosis among selected churches in Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State, Nigeria (F5, 174=.328,
F= 1.166, p>.05). The null hypothesis was retained. This indicated that the different knowledge possessed by
young adults did differ in their rating on the preventive practices of pulmonary tuberculosis among selected
churches in Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State, Nigeria. Hence, there is significant difference between the
knowledge and the preventive practices of pulmonary tuberculosis among selected churches in Niger Delta
Diocese, Rivers State, Nigeria
DISCUSSION
Knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis among young adults in the selected churches in the Niger Delta Diocese,
Rivers State.
The assessment of knowledge comprised of the awareness, causes, transmission, symptoms, treatment,
complications, and prevention of pulmonary tuberculosis and their source of information.
The results on the assessment of knowledge showed that the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge.
This is contrary to the study conducted at Saudi Arabia where the respondents had a poor knowledge
12
The
robust Nigerian curriculum may have made the difference. More than half of the respondents are aware of
pulmonary tuberculosis just like in the study by Maduebo et al
13
.
Precautionary measures against pulmonary tuberculosis among young adults in the selected churches in the Niger
Delta Diocese, Rivers State.
The result indicated that there is relatively high compliance with certain precautionary measures among the
respondents from the selected churches; these practices include covering the mouth/nose when coughing or
sneezing, and seeking medical attention if experiencing PTB symptoms. The findings attested respondents
having a good ventilation practise. More than half of young adults practice proper ventilation. This is consistent
with the work by Wikkurendra et al
14
.where it was revealed that the activity of opening windows every morning
is a way to prevent pulmonary tuberculosis, This is because sunlight inhibits the growth or survival of the
tuberculosis bacteria. PTB screening showed a poor practice among the respondents in this study. This finding
is consistent with the study by Junaid et al. (2021) where few respondents had ever been screened for pulmonary
tuberculosis
Legal implication
In this study 88.3% have never gone for routine tuberculosis screening, even though the respondents showed
average knowledge of tuberculous disease. This may be because Nigeria, like other countries of the world
focuses on global best practices and does not have a policy that will compel individuals to go for PTB screening
even though Screening is a core public health approach in the prevention and control of both communicable and
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non-communicable diseases. A patient's right to the refusal of care is founded upon one of the basic ethical
principles of medicine, autonomy. This principle states that every person has the right to make informed
decisions about their healthcare and that healthcare professionals should not impose their own beliefs or
decisions upon their patients or clients
16,17
.
Identify the socio-demographic factors influencing pulmonary tuberculosis knowledge among respondents
The soci9o-demographic data used for this study include age, gender, occupation and income. The findings of
this study showed that socio-demographic data influence pulmonary tuberculosis knowledge among young
adults.
Firstly, age is a significant influence on the knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis, this finding aligns with a
study in the Western region of Saudi Arabia where individuals between 18-20 years were part of the factors
associated with younger age
12
. The study points out the need for targeted educational intervention of pulmonary
tuberculosis among young adults. This is also consistent with the findings where age, educational level and work
experience were factors found to be significantly associated with knowledge
18
.
The findings show that gender significantly influences pulmonary tuberculosis knowledge. This resonates with
the result of a study among students of Cambodia, where the predictors of good knowledge were being female,
studying in a health-related field and having a higher socioeconomic status
19
. Though, it is contrary to a study
where the males were predictors of good knowledge of tuberculosis symptoms
20
. This also resonates with Luba
et al. (2019) and Ogbeyi et al. (2020) where knowledge of tuberculosis had a significant difference between male
and female respondents.
A study of predictors of tuberculosis knowledge, attitudes and practices among residents of urban slums in
Lagos, Nigeria shows that the predictors of good knowledge were increasing age, post-secondary education and
professional occupation
21.
. This is contrary to a study among final year medical students that had a good
knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis. The opposite outcome in Ali’s work is based on the discipline of the
respondents
22
.
Lastly, income is shown to have a significant influence on knowledge, This finding aligns with the study where
low income correlates with poor health knowledge, leading to increased tuberculosis incidence and adverse
treatment effects. The findings also showed that patients from low socioeconomic backgrounds had a prevalence
of adverse events during treatment, suggesting a link between income and health literacy regarding pulmonary
tuberculosis
23
.
CONCLUSION
This study assessed the level of knowledge and preventive practices against pulmonary tuberculosis among
young adults in the selected churches. The findings of this study among this population showed that there is
a need for educational intervention, especially on the socio-demographic factors that influence the
knowledge of pulmonary tuberculosis. Even though the principle of autonomy has to be applied, nurses should
advocate for routine screening and testing, especially in high-risk populations, to facilitate early detection and
treatment. Health education and awareness campaigns in schools and worship centres could make the change to
empower young adults on the various aspects or phases of the disease management, as well as their understanding
of early detection of symptoms and appropriate care-seeking behaviours that would improve tuberculosis (PTB)
prevention and control. Advanced laboratory study on BCG may need to be carried out to improve its potency
with only one shot irrespective of storage temperature.
Author’s statement
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge all the authors and churches whose articles/settings were used.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
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Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of Rivers State Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt,
Rivers State, Nigeria (RSUTH/REC/2023332).
Funding: Not funded by any organization
Competing Interests: None
Author contribution: Contribution is by all authors
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