Evaluation of the approaches of physicians and nurses working in family health centers in Erzincan province to directly observed treatment in tuberculosis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of family physicians and nurses working in primary health care regarding tuberculosis and to determine their awareness of Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), which is one of the key components of tuberculosis control programs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 1, 2025 and March 1, 2026 in Family Health Centers located in Erzincan province. The study population consisted of family physicians and nurses working in these centers. A total of 153 healthcare professionals were included in the study on a voluntary basis. Data were collected using a 40-item questionnaire prepared in accordance with the literature. The first 15 questions assessed the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, while the remaining 25 questions evaluated their knowledge, opinions, and attitudes regarding tuberculosis. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews and online surveys. Results: The mean age of the participants was 34 years, the mean total professional experience was 11 years, and the mean duration of employment in Family Health Centers was 6 years. The average number of patients seen per day was 60. Of the participants, 59.5% were female and 40.5% were male; 53.6% were family physicians and 46.4% were nurses. The majority of the physicians were general practitioners working as family physicians. Among the participants, 48.4% reported encountering a tuberculosis patient during their university education, while 54.9% stated that they had worked with a patient diagnosed with tuberculosis during their professional practice. The proportion of participants who had previously taken part in Directly Observed Treatment was 50.3%. Although 56.2% of the participants reported receiving training on tuberculosis, the overall level of knowledge was found to be mostly moderate. Conclusion: 4 Although a significant proportion of healthcare professionals working in primary health care encounter tuberculosis patients, their level of knowledge was found to be mostly moderate. In addition, the limited participation in Directly Observed Treatment indicates that there are areas that need improvement regarding the field implementation of tuberculosis control programs. In this context, it is important to enhance healthcare workers' knowledge regarding the diagnosis, treatment, follow-up processes, and contact tracing of tuberculosis, to increase the active involvement of primary health care workers in Directly Observed Treatment practices, and to strengthen coordination between Family Health Centers and tuberculosis dispensaries. Accordingly, it is recommended that regular in-service training programs be planned to improve healthcare workers' knowledge and awareness and that implementation processes be strengthened.