Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of tuberculosis (TB) awareness and the acceptance of tuberculosis prophylactic treatment among the general population in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 475 participants in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, TB knowledge, stig ma-related attitudes, and willingness to accept latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) preventive therapy.
Results: Most participants were female (352; 74.1%) and aged 18-30 years (259; 54.5%). Although 334 (70.3%) correctly identified airborne transmission, misconceptions persisted, including transmission via blood (137; 28.8%) and utensils (134; 28.2%). Knowledge of LTBI was low, with 286 (60.2%) unaware and 262 (55.2%) unable to identify its asymptomatic nature. Awareness of TB policies (336; 70.7%) and drug side effects (299; 62.9%) was also limited. Stigmatizing attitudes were common, with 392 (82.5%) maintaining distance from TB patients. Despite these gaps, willingness to accept preventive therapy was high (452; 95.2%). Acceptance was significantly associated with female gender (p-value = 0.014), profession (p-value = 0.007), marital status (p-value= 0.044), policy awareness (p-value < 0.001), TB curability (p-value = 0.028), and awareness of drug side effects (p-value = 0.004). Higher avoidance-related stigma was also associated with greater acceptance.
Conclusion: TB knowledge among the general population was fragmented, with persistent misconceptions and stigma; however, acceptance of preventive therapy was notably high. Strengthening targeted education and leveraging high acceptance might enhance TB control efforts.

Key words: Impact, tuberculosis awareness, prophylactic therapy, tuberculosis-related stigma, general population, Saudi Arabia