Factors Affecting Tuberculosis Prevention Behaviors among Household Contacts in Chang Klang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey research aimed to study: 1) the level of health literacy regarding tuberculosis, and 2) the factors affecting tuberculosis infection prevention behaviors among household contacts in Chang Klang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The study population consisted of 156 household contacts of tuberculosis patients during 2023 – 2024, with a sample size of 118 participants. A questionnaire, validated by three experts with a reliability range of 0.67 – 1.00, was used as the research instrument. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the questionnaire on health literacy regarding tuberculosis and tuberculosis infection prevention behaviors were 0.90 and 0.82, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression. The research results are as follows.

1. Health literacy was predominantly at a high level, including knowledge and understanding (74.58%), access to health information and services (89.83%), communication skills (86.44%), self-management skills (95.76%), and decision-making skills (89.83%). However, media literacy was at a moderate level (63.56%). Tuberculosis prevention behavior was rated at a high level (85.42%).

2. Factors influencing tuberculosis prevention behavior included decision-making skills and communication skills, which together predicted 37.80% of the variance, with statistical significance at the .01 level (p-value < .01).

Therefore, medical personnel should prioritize raising awareness about tuberculosis prevention among household contacts, especially those engaged in agricultural occupations, to ensure proper practices and appropriate behaviors.