The behaviour of TB patients in East Lombok through a health belief model approach.

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem, including in Indonesia, with East Lombok as a high prevalence region. Although control programmes have been implemented, TB cases remain high. Patient behaviours that are less supportive of treatment, such as non-compliance and social stigma, pose a challenge to TB control efforts in this area. This study aims to explore the behaviour of people with tuberculosis (TB) in East Lombok using the Health Belief Model (HBM) approach.

PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE

The method applied was a cross-sectional design, involving 112 respondents with TB who were registered at the Puskesmas. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire measuring components of HBM, including perceived vulnerability, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy.

RESULTS

The analysis showed that perceived vulnerability (p = 0.022), perceived benefits (p = 0.006), perceived barriers (p = 0.045), cues to action (p = 0.004), and self-efficacy (p = 0.009) had a significant influence on the health behaviour of TB patients. Patients with high perceived vulnerability were 1.617 times more likely to adhere to treatment, while those with high perceived barriers were 31.6% less likely to adhere. Social support from family and health professionals also played an important role in improving adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

From this study emphasise the need for interventions designed to increase positive perceptions and reduce perceived barriers, as well as consider the local social and cultural context to improve TB treatment adherence in East Lombok.