Socio‐Demographic Factors, Knowledge, and Attitudes Associated With Self‐Reported History of Tuberculosis in Lesotho: Evidence From the 2023–24 Demographic and Health Survey

ABSTRACT Background Lesotho has one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) rates in the world. This study aimed to assess the relationship between socio‐demographic characteristics, TB knowledge, attitudes toward TB, and self‐reported history of TB. Methods The study analyzed data collected from 1503 respondents in the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) conducted in 2023–24. Associations with TB were assessed using χ 2 tests and multivariable logistic regression at a 5% significance level. Results Approximately 25.0% of participants ( n = 376) reported a history of TB. Rural residence (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30–0.59), higher education (AOR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.08–0.27), and greater household wealth (AOR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23–0.61) were associated with lower odds of reporting a history of TB. Compared with participants living in the Lowlands, those residing in the Foothills had higher odds of reporting a history of TB (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.16–2.99), whereas those living in the Mountains had lower odds (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35–0.79). Inadequate TB knowledge was associated with substantially higher odds of reporting a history of TB (AOR = 3.62; 95% CI: 2.54–5.15). Conclusion Effective TB control in Lesotho requires targeted interventions that focus on improving TB knowledge and reducing socioeconomic and geographic disparities, particularly among urban residents, individuals with low educational attainment and low household wealth, and populations living in high‐risk ecological zones. These efforts may help reduce the burden of self‐reported history of TB in the population.