Latent tuberculosis infection in focus: Evaluating public concerns, treatment perceptions, and awareness in King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- 1School of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
- 2School of Public Health, Walter Sisulu Institute for Clinical Governance and Healthcare Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
Abstract
Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) remains an under-recognized component of tuberculosis (TB) prevention in South Africa despite its potential to progress to active disease and contribute to ongoing transmission. This study assessed community awareness, perceptions of LTBI treatment, and perceived barriers to screening and care among adults in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing LTBI awareness, perceived risk of progression, understanding of the consequences of untreated LTBI, attitudes towards screening and treatment, and perceived barriers to care. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of LTBI knowledge. LTBI awareness varied significantly across age groups, with the highest awareness observed among participants aged 20–29 years and lower awareness among older adults. Although concern about progression to active TB was high, knowledge of the consequences of untreated LTBI and uptake of preventive treatment remained limited. Lack of awareness was the most frequently reported barrier to LTBI screening and treatment, followed by fear of medication side effects and stigma. Greater knowledge of LTBI was associated with fewer informational barriers, while lower educational attainment independently predicted poor LTBI knowledge. These findings demonstrate important gaps between awareness, perceived risk, and engagement in preventive care. Strengthening community education, improving access to LTBI information, and addressing informational barriers may enhance screening uptake and preventive treatment in rural, high-burden communities, thereby supporting tuberculosis elimination efforts in South Africa.
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BibTeX
@article{faye2026latent,
title = {{Latent tuberculosis infection in focus: Evaluating public concerns, treatment perceptions, and awareness in King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa}},
author = {Lindiwe Modest Faye and Ncomeka Sineke and Ntandazo Dlatu and Urgent Tsuro and Mojisola Clara Hosu and Teke Apalata},
journal = {PLOS Global Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pgph.0005130},
url = {https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0005130},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Latent tuberculosis infection in focus: Evaluating public concerns, treatment perceptions, and awareness in King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
AU - Lindiwe Modest Faye
AU - Ncomeka Sineke
AU - Ntandazo Dlatu
AU - Urgent Tsuro
AU - Mojisola Clara Hosu
AU - Teke Apalata
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/15
JO - PLOS Global Public Health
DO - 10.1371/journal.pgph.0005130
UR - https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0005130
AB - Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) remains an under-recognized component of tuberculosis (TB) prevention in South Africa despite its potential to progress to active disease and contribute to ongoing transmission. This study assessed community awareness, perceptions of LTBI treatment, and perceived barriers to screening and care among adults in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing LTBI awareness, perceived risk of progression, understanding of the consequences of untreated LTBI, attitudes towards screening and treatment, and perceived barriers to care. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of LTBI knowledge. LTBI awareness varied significantly across age groups, with the highest awareness observed among participants aged 20–29 years and lower awareness among older adults. Although concern about progression to active TB was high, knowledge of the consequences of untreated LTBI and uptake of preventive treatment remained limited. Lack of awareness was the most frequently reported barrier to LTBI screening and treatment, followed by fear of medication side effects and stigma. Greater knowledge of LTBI was associated with fewer informational barriers, while lower educational attainment independently predicted poor LTBI knowledge. These findings demonstrate important gaps between awareness, perceived risk, and engagement in preventive care. Strengthening community education, improving access to LTBI information, and addressing informational barriers may enhance screening uptake and preventive treatment in rural, high-burden communities, thereby supporting tuberculosis elimination efforts in South Africa.
SN - 2767-3375
ER -