ackground: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the major public health concerns in India. Studies have shown that TB is more common among low socio-economic status and illiterates. The knowledge of these people regarding TB is essential in the control and prevention of the disease. So this study is undertaken to know the level of knowledge, attitudes about TB among rural adults in relation to their socio-demographic factors. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and awareness of health care facilities regarding Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) among rural adult population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the rural adults in Handiganur PHC in Belgaum, Karnataka which was selected purposively. Using the universal sampling technique, a total of 678 adults were contacted during the study period and data collected.  Pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data and written informed consent was obtained from all the participants. The study was conducted for a period of 10 months, from Feb 2012 to Nov 2012. Ethical clearance from Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software. Chi square test was used to find the statistical significance. Results: Out of 466 respondents, 285 (61.20%) males and 181 (38.80%) females had reported of having heard about TB. The most common symptom of TB replied was cough >2 weeks (53.00%) and the risk factor was close contact with TB patient (34.76%). Only 56.86% were aware that TB was a communicable disease. About 35.20% had thought that TB could be transmitted through eating utensils. Only 22.75% knew the correct duration for TB treatment and 47.64% thought TB is curable. Only 4.5% were aware that BCG vaccination is preventive measure and 6.43% were aware of DOTS. Conclusion: The overall knowledge of TB is insufficient in most aspects e.g. symptoms, risk factors, transmission and prevention, and there are misconceptions about TB as well.  

Keywords:  Pulmonary tuberculosis; Rural adults; Awareness; DOTS.