Tuberculosis teaching in Brazilian medical schools

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2007 Jun;11(6):703-5.

Abstract

To achieve tuberculosis (TB) control, National Tuberculosis Programme guidelines should be implemented effectively. In a survey conducted in 2005-2006, 33 Brazilian medical school coordinators answered a questionnaire about TB education. The median time dedicated to TB was 27 h (4-119 h), spread over several disciplines, mainly biological and clinical. This included 12 h (0-88 h) of practical activities, mainly in university hospitals (53%). The recommendation to offer human immunodeficiency virus testing for TB patients was taught in only 54% of the schools. TB education in Brazil is fragmented and restricted to a biological approach, while field activities are insufficient and carried out in inadequate settings. Important changes to the TB curriculum are necessary.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate* / statistics & numerical data
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • National Health Programs
  • Schools, Medical* / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Teaching / methods
  • Time Factors
  • Tuberculosis* / epidemiology
  • Tuberculosis* / prevention & control
  • Tuberculosis* / therapy