Factors Predicting Tuberculosis Preventive Behaviors Among the Household Contacts In Chiangkham District, Phayao Province

Abstract

This predictive research aimed to study the predictive factors of tuberculosis preventive behaviors among household tuberculosis contacts in Chiangkham District, Phayao Province. The sample consisted of 227 participants, determined using the N4 Studies program. The tools used for data collection included questionnaires on predisposing factors, enabling factors, reinforcing factors, and tuberculosis preventive behaviors among household tuberculosis contacts. The questionnaire included multiple-choice questions, true-false questions, and 5-point rating scales. The content validity of the instruments yielded an IOC value of 0.93. The reliability of the knowledge questionnaire showed a KR20 value of 0.74. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the attitude questionnaire, perception questionnaire, enabling factors questionnaire, reinforcing factors questionnaire, and tuberculosis prevention behavior questionnaire were 0.73, 0.78, 0.82, 0.92 and 0.95, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that the overall tuberculosis prevention behaviors among household contacts in Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province, were at a high level (mean=4.39, S.D.=0.73). The stepwise multiple regression analysis identified three factors that could predict tuberculosis prevention behaviors: predisposing factors (personal perception), enabling factors, and reinforcing factors. These three factors collectively predict 55% of the variance in tuberculosis prevention behaviors with statistical significance at 0.05 (Adj. R²=0.550, F=8.629, p-value<0.05). The findings from this study can be applied to planning and developing tuberculosis prevention and control programs through tuberculosis action plans, health education, home visits, and enhancing health literacy regarding tuberculosis infection prevention. These approaches will promote proper and appropriate disease prevention health behaviors. The government should provide additional budget support to expedite screening, case finding, and timely treatment of tuberculosis, as well as promote community collaboration and support the establishment of tuberculosis learning centers at the local level, which will help reduce infection and decrease disease transmission in the future.