Predictors of Physicians’ Knowledge About Tuberculosis in Assiut City, Upper Egypt.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern worldwide and in Egypt. As per the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, TB epidemic should be eradicated by 2030. The objective was to assess physicians’ knowledge regarding tuberculosis and to identify factors associated with their knowledge level. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-specialist physicians working in public healthcare facilities in Assiut city, including residents of chest diseases, internal medicine, pediatrics, and general practitioners in primary healthcare settings in Assiut city, Asyut governorate, Upper Egypt. Data were collected using questionnaires on demographic data, physicians’ self-reported experience and TB exposure, and knowledge assessment. Results: A total of 296 physicians were included. The mean age of participants was 29.8 years; most of them were aged 25–30 years, and 69.3% of them were females. The overall mean knowledge percent score was 54.1%±14.7, with only 30.7% of physicians demonstrated good knowledge regarding TB. The knowledge sub-scores were highest for TB cause, transmission and clinical picture (61.7%), moderate for TB treatment and prevention (58.6%), and lowest for TB diagnosis (41.0%). Factors significantly associated with higher knowledge scores included specialty type, years of work experience, prior management of TB cases, and previous receipt of TB training. Conclusions: Physicians had inadequate knowledge about tuberculosis, particularly regarding diagnosis. Previous exposure to TB cases and participation in training programs were associated with better knowledge. These findings underscore the importance of integrating TB-specific educational interventions into undergraduate curricula and continuous medical education.