The boomerang effect of tuberculosis knowledge and self-efficacy on Chinese parents' intention to seek timely treatment and adhere to doctors' regimens.

OBJECTIVE

The present study tested the level of tuberculosis (TB) knowledge of Chinese parents whose children attended kindergarten, primary school, and middle school, and examined whether their TB knowledge and self-efficacy in TB management exhibited a curvilinear relationship with their intention to seek timely TB treatment and adhere to doctors' regimens if their children are infected with TB.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey (N = 1129) was conducted. TB knowledge was assessed based on the manual provided by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hierarchical polynomial regression was conducted to test the proposed curvilinear relationships.

RESULTS

Chinese parents lacked knowledge about risks of TB and how to prevent TB. TB knowledge and self-efficacy in TB management motivated Chinese parents to seek timely TB treatment and adhere to doctors' regimens, but too much knowledge and self-efficacy predicted both intentions negatively.

CONCLUSION

Excessive levels of self-efficacy in self-management and health knowledge could backfire.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

Practitioners should elevate Chinese parents' perceptions of severity of TB and susceptibility to TB. Additionally, health education should not be limited to providing medical facts but offer guidance on how to access professional medical resources. Self-efficacy in self-management should not be elevated.