The aim of this descriptive and epidemiological research was to describe the demographic profile of patients' families who are under Directly Observed Treatment at a health service, in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. To analyze the context they were inserted in by considering parenthood and clinical-epidemiological aspects of the family member with tuberculosis, and to assess these families' knowledge and perception about tuberculosis. Data were collected in July 2010, by using a semistructured questionnaire that was applied to 16 family members. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The families' demographic profile supports the association among tuberculosis, conditions of poverty and low income distribution. A substantial number of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis as the predominant clinical form was found at their homes. The families' knowledge was satisfactory, but some subjects associate the transmission of the disease with the shared use of domestic utensils. The results appoint weaknesses related to the families' care management.
Tuberculosis; Knowledge; Family relations
