Analysis of the current status and associated factors of tuberculosis knowledge, attitudes, and practices among elderly people in Shenzhen: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The incidence and risk of tuberculosis (TB) among the elderly population have increased with the ageing population in China. This study aimed to assess the current status and associated factors of TB knowledge, attitudes, and practices among elderly people in Shenzhen City, China, which may provide references for the development of TB prevention and treatment policies targeting elderly people. Methods A multistage random sampling method was used to collect data with a self-designed questionnaire from 1078 elderly people (response rate, 90.66%) living in Bao’an District of Shenzhen between September and October 2019. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyse factors associated with TB knowledge, attitudes, and practices among elderly people. Results Among the respondents, 3.13% had previously been treated for TB, and 3.09% of respondents had family members or friends with a previous TB history. The percentages of elderly people who were aware of TB and had positive attitudes and practices regarding TB were 69.23%, 48.87%, and 42.62%, respectively. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that elderly people with a junior high school education or higher, a family annual income per capita of less than 100,000 RMB, a better self-perceived health status, and family members or friends with a previous TB history had higher TB knowledge scores (P