Key Determinants of Tuberculosis Prevention Behaviors

A study sought to answer the research question: What factors support or inhibit tuberculosis (TB) prevention behavior among families with a history of TB? Recognizing the role of the family as a foundational social unit, the research aimed to explore key behavioral drivers and barriers to TB prevention at the household level.

To investigate this, the researchers employed a cross-sectional study design, conducted over a three-month period from October to December 2024. The study was situated in the working area of the Batunadua Health Center in Padangsidimpuan City. Using purposive sampling, 129 families were selected based on specific inclusion criteria: having a family member with a history of TB, residing in the area for at least one year, and a willingness to participate in the study.

The findings revealed strong associations between several variables and TB prevention behavior. Notably, families with less knowledge about TB exhibited destructive prevention behaviors at a rate of 88.9%, in contrast to only 4.2% among families with good knowledge. This relationship was statistically significant (X² = 88.454, p = 0.001). Similarly, 82% of families who reported poor access to health services showed destructive behaviors, compared to just 2.5% among those with good access (X² = 71.355, p = 0.001). Cultural factors also played a significant role: 89.9% of families in an anti-prevention cultural environment displayed poor prevention behavior, while only 20% did so in a pro-prevention setting (X² = 64.031, p = 0.001). Personal experience with TB was another influencing factor; families with no personal TB experience showed destructive behaviors at a rate of 94%, whereas those with such experience reported this behavior at 17.7% (X² = 76.625, p = 0.001).

Among all factors examined, knowledge about TB emerged as the most influential determinant of preventive behavior, with an Exp(B) value of 46.888, indicating a strong predictive effect.

In conclusion, TB prevention behavior among families is significantly influenced by knowledge, access to health services, cultural environment, and personal health experiences. Of these, knowledge stands out as the most critical factor in shaping consistent and effective preventive practices. This highlights the urgent need for health education interventions and accessible, culturally sensitive health services to foster more robust TB prevention at the community level.

Source: Sani, H.A., Hadi, A.J. and Hatta, H., 2025. Key Determinants of Tuberculosis Prevention Behaviors Among Families in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study Analysis. Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia (MPPKI), 8(2), pp.118-130.